John and Mike are both right. As a matter of fact, there are several definitions. In my opinion, the whole topic is adequately described in Interconnections, by Radia Perlman. Her take (in a nutshell) is that they are technically one in the same and that the difference is marketing terminology. Ethernet switches are essentially multi-port transparent bridges (but what bridge isn't 2 ports or more?). A Ethernet switch or bridge with only 2 ports could be called a switch or bridge depending on which one is a better market term. As time has evolved, new functionality has been introduced into Ethernet switches, but at their base functionality, it's all pretty much the same.
-----Original Message----- From: Michael L. Williams [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2002 3:20 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Bridge and switch [7:44649] A switch is a multiport bridge..... Think of a bridge that bridges together 2 networks (i.e. has two interfaces, one in each network)..... Then supposed you upgrade to a 3 port bridge, that can connect 3 networks..... keep adding ports up to 4, 8, 12, 24, or even 48 and that's a switch..... The switch operates pretty much like a bridge where it watches the source MAC addresses in frames, builds a table of MAC addresses and corresponding ports (the CAM table), and forwards broadcasts or traffic destined for a MAC address not in it's CAM table out all ports (except the one it received the frame on).... Mike W. "rtiwari" wrote in message [EMAIL PROTECTED]">news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]... > Could somebody will please describe me the difference in > between bridge and switch. > Thanks > Ravi Message Posted at: http://www.groupstudy.com/form/read.php?f=7&i=44660&t=44649 -------------------------------------------------- FAQ, list archives, and subscription info: http://www.groupstudy.com/list/cisco.html Report misconduct and Nondisclosure violations to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
