Bridging (networking)

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Bridging is a forwarding technique used in packet-switched computer networks. Unlike routing, bridging makes no assumptions about where in a network a particular address is located. Instead, it depends on broadcasting to locate unknown devices. Once a device has been located, its location is recorded in a routing table where the MAC address is stored alongside its IP Address so as to preclude the need for further broadcasting.
The utility of bridging is limited by its dependence on broadcasting, and is thus only used in local area networks. Currently, two different bridging technologies are in widespread use. Transparent bridging predominates in Ethernet networks; while source routing is used in token ring networks. Thus, bridging allows you to connect two different networks seamlessly on the data link layer, e.g. a wireless access point with a wired network switch by using MAC addresses as an addressing system. A bridge and switch are very much alike.

Bridging (networking)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridging_(networking)