The Difference Between Router and Bridge
In the realm of networking devices, two key components that play vital roles in ensuring seamless communication are routers and bridges. Though they may seem similar in function at a glance, routers and bridges serve fundamentally different purposes in network operations. To fully understand the differences, one must explore the fundamental functionalities, advantages, and drawbacks of both devices. But before we proceed to discuss the difference, let us veer off slightly to answer a recurring question, what does the Meraki MDM app do?
What does the Meraki MDM app do? Meraki MDM, also known as Meraki Mobile Device Management, is a cloud-based app designed to help businesses manage the public settings and restrictions of iOS, Android, MacOS, and other endpoints. It is useful for swift device deployment, security policy enforcement, app distribution, and troubleshooting. Now, back to our main topic.
Routers
Routers are powerful devices designed to connect multiple networks and forward packets along networks. They operate at the network layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model. A router uses headers and forwarding tables to determine the best path for forwarding packets, and they use protocols such as ICMP to communicate with each other and configure the best route between any two hosts. Beyond connecting networks, routers also have the capability to filter traffic, either incoming or outgoing, based on the addresses of senders and recipients.
Routers are essential in large networks because they reduce traffic by limiting data broadcasts to their intended destinations. Also, they provide optimal path selection, security features, and the ability to choose from various physical interface options. Nevertheless, routers are more expensive and they have a greater level of complexity in configuration, making them less suitable for small networks.
Bridges
Bridges, on the other hand, are devices that connect and segment networks at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model. Their operation involves reading the MAC address of the data packet and forwarding it to the intended destination. Bridges are especially useful in extending a network by acting as a conduit between two network segments.
Compared to routers, bridges are simpler and less costly. They are a great solution for small networks as they require little to no configuration. Bridges can reduce network traffic on a LAN by dividing it into two segments. However, they fall short in larger network environments due to their inability to manage traffic effectively like routers. Their lack of IP address filtering means data broadcasts are sent to all connected nodes, potentially leading to network congestion.
To summarize, while bridges connect multiple segments of the same network at the data link layer using MAC addresses, routers connect different networks at the network layer using IP addresses. The choice between a router and a bridge is dependent on the specific needs and size of your network. If you have a larger network requiring advanced traffic management, a router may be your best bet. However, for smaller networks or for network extension, a bridge should suffice.
Furthermore, remember to consider the management tools that come with these devices. A perfect example for device management is the Meraki MDM application which brings us back to what does the Meraki MDM app do. Always seek the tools that provide the features needed for your business or personal devices, as managing networks extend beyond just ensuring connectivity.