On Mon January 30 2006 5:29 am, Jeff Vian wrote:
On all the different models I have used (D-link, LinkSys, Netgear,
among
others), the LAN (wired and wireless) side is a switch, *not bridged*.
Lets be sure the proper terminology is used here.
Bridging gives two or more physical ports (usually limited to two) the
same IP address, and makes it transparent to other machines unless
something is sent explicitly to that address. The physical network
segment on both sides is 'bridged' and it becomes one contiguous
network. Anything addressed to another IP address than the local one is
simply passed through - totally transparent.
Thanks for this explanation - it clears up a question I've had for some time
Routing keeps both sides distinct separate networks and only passes
packets through if they are destined for something on the other side of
the router.
A switch or hub is simply a connection point on a single network. No
bridging or routing is involved.
Here's where my knowledge tells me different.
I thought a switch did do some
simple routing. Doesn't a switch "remember" destinations that are on the
local subnet, and build up tables, only routing signal through that are not
destined for the local destination?
--
Claude Jones
Bluemont, VA, USA