Bridge vs. Router — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 15, 2024
A bridge connects and filters traffic between two or more network segments, while a router directs data packets between different networks, managing traffic and determining the best path.
Difference Between Bridge and Router
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A bridge operates at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model and is used to connect multiple network segments within the same local area network (LAN). It filters traffic by analyzing MAC addresses, reducing collisions, and improving overall network efficiency. A router, on the other hand, functions at the network layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model and directs data packets between different networks. It uses IP addresses to determine the best path for forwarding the packets, facilitating communication between devices on separate networks, such as connecting a home network to the internet.
Bridges are typically used within a single LAN to extend the network or segment it into smaller parts, improving performance by reducing traffic. They are simpler devices that do not require as much configuration as routers. Routers, however, are essential for connecting different networks, such as linking a private network to the internet or connecting multiple office networks in a business environment. They are more complex and provide advanced routing capabilities and network management features.
In terms of usage, a bridge might be employed in a small office or home network to connect two network segments, ensuring seamless communication and reducing traffic congestion. A router is commonly used in both home and business environments to connect to the internet, route traffic between different subnets, and provide security features.
Comparison Chart
OSI Layer
Data Link Layer (Layer 2)
Network Layer (Layer 3)
Function
Connects and filters traffic between network segments
Routes data packets between different networks
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Addressing
Uses MAC addresses
Uses IP addresses
Usage Scenario
Extending a LAN or segmenting it
Connecting a LAN to the internet or other networks
Complexity
Simpler, less configuration required
More complex, offers advanced features
Compare with Definitions
Bridge
Connects network segments within a LAN.
The bridge links the two office floors' networks.
Router
Provides advanced features like NAT and firewalls.
Our router includes a firewall to protect against cyber threats.
Bridge
Extends network segments to improve performance.
We installed a bridge to connect the lab and the main office network.
Router
Routes data packets between different networks.
The router connects our home network to the internet.
Bridge
A bridge is a structure built to span a physical obstacle (such as a body of water, valley, road, or rail) without blocking the way underneath. It is constructed for the purpose of providing passage over the obstacle, which is usually something that is otherwise difficult or impossible to cross.
Router
Operates at the network layer.
Routers function at Layer 3 of the OSI model.
Bridge
A structure carrying a road, path, railway, etc. across a river, road, or other obstacle
A bridge across the River Thames
A railway bridge
Router
Essential for internet connectivity and inter-network communication.
The router ensures all devices can access the internet seamlessly.
Bridge
The elevated, enclosed platform on a ship from which the captain and officers direct operations
Talbot stepped across the two gunwales and made his way up to the bridge
Router
Uses IP addresses for routing decisions.
The router assigns IP addresses to all devices on the network.
Bridge
The upper bony part of a person's nose
He pushed his spectacles further up the bridge of his nose
Router
A power tool with a shaped cutter, used in carpentry for making grooves for joints, decorative mouldings, etc.
Bridge
A partial denture supported by natural teeth on either side.
Router
A device which forwards data packets to the appropriate parts of a computer network.
Bridge
The part of a stringed instrument over which the strings are stretched
Ebony bridges and fingerboards
Router
One that routs, especially a machine tool that mills out the surface of metal or wood.
Bridge
A bridge passage or middle eight.
Router
One that routes, especially one who prepares shipments for distribution and delivery.
Bridge
The support for the tip of a billiard cue formed by the hand.
Router
A device in a network that handles message transfers between computers.
Bridge
An electric circuit with two branches across which a detector or load is connected, used to measure resistance or other property by equalizing the potential across the two ends of a detector, or to rectify an alternating voltage or current.
Router
See gateway.
Bridge
A card game related to whist, played by two partnerships of two players who at the beginning of each hand bid for the right to name the trump suit, the highest bid also representing a contract to make a specified number of tricks with a specified suit as trumps.
Router
Someone who routes or directs items from one location to another.
The router directed the movement of the company's trucks.
Bridge
Be or make a bridge over (something)
Earlier attempts to bridge St George's Channel had failed
A covered walkway bridged the gardens
Router
(telecommunications) Any device that directs packets of information using the equivalent of Open Systems Interconnection layer 3 (network layer) information. Most commonly used in reference to Internet Protocol routers.
Bridge
A structure spanning and providing passage over a gap or barrier, such as a river or roadway.
Router
(Internet) A device that connects local area networks to form a larger internet by, at minimum, selectively passing those datagrams having a destination IP address to the network which is able to deliver them to their destination; a network gateway.
The router was configured to forward packets outside of a certain range of IP addresses to its internet uplink port.
Bridge
Something resembling or analogous to this structure in form or function
A land bridge between the continents.
A bridge of understanding between two countries.
Router
In integrated circuit or printed circuit board design, an algorithm for adding all wires needed to properly connect all of the placed components while obeying all design rules.
Bridge
The upper bony ridge of the human nose.
Router
A power tool used in carpentry for cutting grooves.
He made an attractive edge on the table with a router.
Bridge
The part of a pair of eyeglasses that rests against this ridge.
Router
A plane made like a spokeshave, for working the inside edges of circular sashes.
Bridge
A fixed or removable replacement for one or several but not all of the natural teeth, usually anchored at each end to a natural tooth.
Router
A plane with a hooked tool protruding far below the sole, for smoothing the bottom of a cavity.
Bridge
A thin, upright piece of wood in some stringed instruments that supports the strings above the soundboard.
Router
To hollow out or cut using a router power tool.
Bridge
A transitional passage connecting two subjects or movements.
Router
A plane made like a spokeshave, for working the inside edges of circular sashes.
Bridge
(Nautical) A crosswise platform or enclosed area above the main deck of a ship from which the ship is controlled.
Router
A machine with a rapidly revolving vertical spindle and cutter for scooping out the surface of wood or metal, as between and around the engraved parts of an electrotype.
Bridge
A long stick with a notched plate at one end, used to steady the cue in billiards. Also called rest1.
Router
A worker who routes shipments for distribution and delivery
Bridge
The hand used as a support to steady the cue.
Router
(computer science) a device that forwards data packets between computer networks
Bridge
Any of various instruments for measuring or comparing the characteristics, such as impedance or inductance, of a conductor.
Router
A power tool with a shaped cutter; used in carpentry for cutting grooves
Bridge
An electrical shunt.
Bridge
(Chemistry) An intramolecular connection that spans atoms or groups of atoms.
Bridge
Any of several card games derived from whist, usually played by four people in two partnerships, in which trump is determined by bidding and the hand opposite the declarer is played as a dummy.
Bridge
To build a bridge over.
Bridge
To cross by or as if by a bridge.
Bridge
A construction or natural feature that spans a divide.
Bridge
A construction spanning a waterway, ravine, or valley from an elevated height, allowing for the passage of vehicles, pedestrians, trains, etc.
The rope bridge crosses the river.
Bridge
(anatomy) The upper bony ridge of the human nose.
Rugby players often break the bridge of their noses.
Bridge
(dentistry) A prosthesis replacing one or several adjacent teeth.
The dentist pulled out the decayed tooth and put in a bridge.
Bridge
(bowling) The gap between the holes on a bowling ball
Bridge
An arch or superstructure.
Bridge
(nautical) An elevated platform above the upper deck of a mechanically propelled ship from which it is navigated and from which all activities on deck can be seen and controlled by the captain, etc; smaller ships have a wheelhouse, and sailing ships were controlled from a quarterdeck.
The first officer is on the bridge.
Bridge
The piece, on string instruments, that supports the strings from the sounding board.
Bridge
A particular form of one hand placed on the table to support the cue when making a shot in cue sports.
Bridge
A cue modified with a convex arch-shaped notched head attached to the narrow end, used to support a player's (shooter's) cue for extended or tedious shots. Also called a spider.
Bridge
Anything supported at the ends and serving to keep some other thing from resting upon the object spanned, as in engraving, watchmaking, etc., or which forms a platform or staging over which something passes or is conveyed.
Bridge
(wrestling) A defensive position in which the wrestler is supported by his feet and head, belly-up, in order to prevent touch-down of the shoulders and eventually to dislodge an opponent who has established a position on top.
Bridge
(gymnastics) A similar position in gymnastics.
Bridge
A connection, real or abstract.
Bridge
(medicine) A rudimentary procedure before definite solution
ECMO is used as a bridge to surgery to stabilize the patient.
Bridge
(computing) A device which connects two or more computer buses, typically in a transparent manner.
This chip is the bridge between the front-side bus and the I/O bus.
Bridge
(programming) A software component connecting two or more separate systems.
Bridge
(networking) A system which connects two or more local area networks at layer 2 of OSI model.
The LAN bridge uses a spanning tree algorithm.
Bridge
(chemistry) An intramolecular valence bond, atom or chain of atoms that connects two different parts of a molecule; the atoms so connected being bridgeheads.
Bridge
(electronics) An unintended solder connection between two or more components or pins.
Bridge
(music) A contrasting section within a song that prepares for the return of the original material section.
The lyrics in the song's bridge inverted its meaning.
In the bridge of his 2011 song "It Will Rain", Bruno Mars begs his lover not to "say goodbye."
Bridge
(graph theory) An edge which, if removed, changes a connected graph to one that is not connected.
Bridge
(poetry) A point in a line where a break in a word unit cannot occur.
Bridge
(diplomacy) A statement, such as an offer, that signals a possibility of accord.
Bridge
A day falling between two public holidays and consequently designated as an additional holiday.
Bridge
(electronics) Any of several electrical devices that measure characteristics such as impedance and inductance by balancing different parts of a circuit
Bridge
A low wall or vertical partition in the fire chamber of a furnace, for deflecting flame, etc.; a bridge wall.
Bridge
(cycling) The situation where a lone rider or small group of riders closes the space between them and the rider or group in front.
Bridge
A solid crust of undissolved salt in a water softener.
Bridge
(roller derby) An elongated chain of teammates, connected to the pack, for improved blocking potential.
Bridge
(card games) A card game played with four players playing as two teams of two players each.
Bidding is an essential element of the game of bridge.
Bridge
To be or make a bridge over something.
With enough cable, we can bridge this gorge.
Bridge
To span as if with a bridge.
The two groups were able to bridge their differences.
Bridge
(music) To transition from one piece or section of music to another without stopping.
We need to bridge that jam into "The Eleven".
Bridge
To connect two or more computer buses, networks etc. with a bridge.
Bridge
(wrestling) To go to the bridge position.
Bridge
(roller derby) To employ the bridge tactic. (See Noun section.)
Bridge
A structure, usually of wood, stone, brick, or iron, erected over a river or other water course, or over a chasm, railroad, etc., to make a passageway from one bank to the other.
Bridge
Anything supported at the ends, which serves to keep some other thing from resting upon the object spanned, as in engraving, watchmaking, etc., or which forms a platform or staging over which something passes or is conveyed.
Bridge
The small arch or bar at right angles to the strings of a violin, guitar, etc., serving of raise them and transmit their vibrations to the body of the instrument.
Bridge
A device to measure the resistance of a wire or other conductor forming part of an electric circuit.
Bridge
A low wall or vertical partition in the fire chamber of a furnace, for deflecting flame, etc.; - usually called a bridge wall.
Bridge
A card game resembling whist.
Bridge
To build a bridge or bridges on or over; as, to bridge a river.
Their simple engineering bridged with felled trees the streams which could not be forded.
Bridge
To open or make a passage, as by a bridge.
Xerxes . . . over HellespontBridging his way, Europe with Asia joined.
Bridge
To find a way of getting over, as a difficulty; - generally with over.
Bridge
A structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.
Bridge
A circuit consisting of two branches (4 arms arranged in a diamond configuration) across which a meter is connected
Bridge
Something resembling a bridge in form or function;
His letters provided a bridge across the centuries
Bridge
The hard ridge that forms the upper part of the nose;
Her glasses left marks on the bridge of her nose
Bridge
Any of various card games based on whist for four players
Bridge
A wooden support that holds the strings up
Bridge
A denture anchored to teeth on either side of missing teeth
Bridge
The link between two lenses; rests on nose
Bridge
An upper deck where a ship is steered and the captain stands
Bridge
Connect or reduce the distance between
Bridge
Make a bridge across;
Bridge a river
Bridge
Cross over on a bridge
Bridge
Filters traffic using MAC addresses.
The bridge reduces network collisions by filtering traffic.
Bridge
Operates at the data link layer.
A bridge works at Layer 2 of the OSI model.
Bridge
Simple device with minimal configuration.
The bridge setup was quick and straightforward.
Common Curiosities
At which OSI layer does a bridge operate?
A bridge operates at the Data Link Layer (Layer 2).
At which OSI layer does a router operate?
A router operates at the Network Layer (Layer 3).
Can a router connect different networks?
Yes, a router connects and directs traffic between different networks.
Is a bridge suitable for internet connectivity?
No, a bridge is not used for connecting to the internet; a router is required for that purpose.
What is a typical use case for a bridge?
Extending a local network or segmenting a network to reduce congestion.
What type of addresses does a router use?
A router uses IP addresses to route data packets.
What type of addresses does a bridge use?
A bridge uses MAC addresses to filter traffic.
Can a bridge help reduce network collisions?
Yes, by filtering traffic, a bridge can reduce collisions in a network segment.
Can a router assign IP addresses to devices?
Yes, routers often have DHCP functionality to assign IP addresses.
Do bridges provide advanced features like firewalls?
No, bridges are simpler devices and do not provide advanced features like firewalls.
What is the main difference between a bridge and a router?
A bridge connects and filters traffic between network segments, while a router directs data packets between different networks.
Can a bridge connect different networks?
No, a bridge connects segments within the same network.
What is a typical use case for a router?
Connecting a home or office network to the internet or linking multiple networks.
Do routers provide advanced features like firewalls?
Yes, many routers include firewalls and other security features.
Is configuring a bridge more complex than a router?
No, bridges are generally simpler to configure than routers.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
