Difference between Bridge and Router (original) (raw)

Last Updated : 11 Jul, 2025

Network devices are the hardware or software integrals used for communication between computer and internetwork. They manage traffic flow and transfer data packets. They also enable connection between networks. They are different types of connectivity devices avaliable such as Routers, Switches, Hubs, Bridges, Modem and so on. In this article we will discuss difference between Bridge and Router.

What is Bridge?

The device used to interconnect two separate LANs is known as a Bridge. It is a repeater with additional function such as filtering content that is based on reading the MAC addresses of source and destination. It has a single input and single output port. It operates at Physical Layer and Data Link Layer. It uses address table for filtering.

Bridge

Types of Brides

Simple Bridge
Multiport Bridges
Transparent Bridges

Advantages

Bridge is used for interconnecting two LANs.
It divides large networks into smaller sections.
Provides high reliability and easy to maintain and installation is very simple.

Disadvantages

Bridge loops occurs when more than one bridge is implemented on the network.
They cannot connect dissimilar network types.
The speed is very slow.

What is Router?

A network device that routes data packets based on their IP addresses is called router. It connects LANs and WANs together . They have a dynamic update of routing table based on decisions made on routing the data packets. Routing occurs at the network layer of the OSI model.

Router

Types of Routers

Static Router
Dynamic Router

Advantages

Routers can connect networks with different architectures such as Tokens, Ring and Ethernet.
They can transform information at the Data Link Layer.
Router can divide broadcast domains of hosts connected through it.

Disadvantages

Routers cannot transform information from one data format to another.
They do not send broadcast packets or corrupted packets.
If the routing table does not have proper address on the data packet then the packet is discarded.

Difference Between Bridge and Router

Let's see the difference between bridge and router which are given below:

Bridge	Router
Bridge works in data link layer.	While Router works in network layer.
Through bridge, data or information is not store and sent in the form of packet.	While through router, data or information is store and sent in the form of packet.
There are only two ports in bridge.	While there are more than two ports in router.
Bridge connects two different LANs.	While router is used by LAN as well as MAN for connection.
In bridge, routing table is not used.	While in routers, routing table is used.
Bridge works on single broadcast domain.	While router works on more than single broadcast domain.
Bridges are easy to configure.	While Routers are difficult to setup and configure.
Bridge focuses on MAC address .	While Router focuses on protocol address.
Bridge is comparatively inexpensive.	While Router is relatively expensive device.
Bridges are good for segment network and extends the existing network.	While Routers are good for joining remote networks.

Conclusion

Bridge is a network device, which works in data link layer. Through bridge, data or information is not stored and sent in the form of packets. Whereas Router is also a network device which works in network layer. Through router, data or information is stored and sent in the form of packets. The main difference between bridge and router is that, bridge study or scan the device's MAC address. On the other hand, router study or scan the device's IP address.