Module 2 ACN
[Link] and Bridging
2.1.1 Switching Concepts
• Switching is the technique used to transfer data from one device to another
across a network.
• It decides how data is forwarded between sender and receiver through
intermediate network nodes.
Types of Switching
1. Circuit Switching
• A dedicated communication path is established between sender and
receiver before data transfer.
• Path remains reserved for entire session.
• Example: Telephone networks.
• Advantages: Guaranteed bandwidth, predictable performance.
• Disadvantages: Wastage of resources if no data is transmitted.
2. Packet Switching
• Data is divided into packets, each transmitted independently (store-and-
forward).
• Packets may follow different routes and reassembled at destination.
• Example: Internet (IP networks).
• Advantages:
1. Better resource utilization – No dedicated line, resources shared
among users.
2. Support for different data rates – Works efficiently for heterogeneous
devices.
3. Fault tolerance – If one path fails, packets can be routed via alternate
paths.
Bridges
Definition
• A bridge is a networking device that connects two or more LAN segments at
the Data Link Layer (Layer 2).
• It uses MAC addresses to forward frames, helping reduce traffic and extend
networks.
Functions of Bridges
1. Frame Forwarding – Forwards frames only if destination MAC lies on another
segment.
2. Filtering – Blocks local traffic from crossing into other segments
unnecessarily.
3. Address Learning – Builds a forwarding table by observing source
addresses in frames.
4. Loop Prevention – Uses Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) to avoid broadcast
storms.
Types of Bridges
1. Transparent Bridge
• Learns addresses automatically.
• Hosts are unaware of the bridge.
• Common in Ethernet LANs.
2. Source Routing Bridge
• Route is specified by the sender in the packet header.
• Mostly used in Token Ring networks.
LAN Switch (Multi-Port Bridge)
• A switch is essentially a high-performance, multi-port bridge.
• Provides dedicated bandwidth per port, enabling full-duplex
communication.
• Faster than bridges because of hardware-based forwarding.
Advantages of Bridges
• Reduces network collisions by splitting LANs into segments.
• Improves performance via selective forwarding.
• Enhances scalability of LANs.
• Supports heterogeneous LAN technologies (e.g., Ethernet ↔ Wi-Fi)
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