The bridge is a networking device works in the data link layer of OSI Model. Bridge in networking divides a LAN into multiple segments. The router is a networking device works in the network layer of OSI Model. The router is used to connect two or more different networks. Before discussing the key difference between bridge and router in tabular form (bridge vs router), let’s look at the features of both the networking devices.
Features of Router in Networking
- Routers operate in the network layer of OSI Model.
- It is used to connect multiple LAN and WAN.
- The router transmits data in the form of packets.
- The router uses routing table for sending data.
- It works on more than one broadcast domain.
- Routers use the software-configured network address to determine the address.
- Routers communicate with other routers to decide the best way to transfer the data.
- The router creates multiple paths to send data.
Features of Bridge in Networking
- Bridge operates in data link layer of OSI Model.
- It is used to connect two different LAN segments.
- Bridge transmit data in the form frames.
- It has only two ports to connect two LAN segments.
- It works on a single broadcast domain.
- Bridges determine the destination address with the help of the MAC address of the device.
Difference between Router and Bridge in Tabular Form
Routers |
Bridges |
Routers operate in the network layer of OSI Model. |
Bridge operates in data link layer of OSI Model. |
The router is used to connect the LAN and WAN. |
The bridge is used to connect two different LAN segments. |
The router transmits data in the form of packets. |
Bridge transmit data in the form frames. |
It reads the IP Address of a device. |
Bridge reads the MAC Address of a device. |
The router has more ports compare to bridge. |
The bridge has only two ports. |
It uses routing table for sending data. |
The bridge does not use any routing table for sending data. |
It works on more than one broadcast domain. |
It works on a single broadcast domain. |
Routers use a software-configured network address to determine the address. |
Bridges determine the destination address with the help of the MAC address of the device. |
It communicates with other routers to decide the best way to transfer the data. |
With the help of MAC addresses of the devices, the Bridges listen to the network traffic and then decide the way to send the data. |
The router creates multiple paths to send data. |
The bridge does not create multiple paths to send data. |
You can configure protocols such as RIP, IGRP, OSPF, etc in a router. |
You cannot configures any routing protocols in a bridge. |
So, this is all about the difference between router and bridge in tabular form. Click the below link to know more about bridge and router.
What is Bridge in Networking
What is Router in Networking
What is Router in Networking | How Router works and its functions
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