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bridge definition - telecom
  1. A simple, protocol-specific device that interconnects two or more links in a circuit, reading the destination address of an incoming data frame and forwarding to the next link in the direction of the target device. A bridge also acts as a repeater, amplifying, reshaping, and retiming the input signal. A bridge does not perform complex processes on the data frames, and neither does it attempt to evaluate the network as a whole to make end-to-end routing decisions.
  2. A simple, protocol-specific device that interconnects two or more segments in a local area network (LAN), or two or more LANs of the same architecture (e.g., Ethernet-to-Ethernet).A bridge reads the destination address of an incoming data frame and forwards it to the next segment in the direction of the target device. A bridge also acts as a repeater, amplifying, reshaping and retiming the input signal to extend the physical reach of the LAN. Bridges operate at the lower two layers of the OSI Reference Model, providing Physical Layer and Data Link Layer connectivity. Specific bridge protocols include source routing protocol (SRP), source routing transparent (SRT), spanning tree protocol (STP). See also architecture, circuit, Data Link Layer, encapsulating bridge, filtering bridge, frame, LAN, link, OSI Reference Model, Physical Layer, protocol, repeater, router, self-learning bridge, SRP, SRT, and STP.

Webster's New World Telecom Dictionary Copyright © 2008 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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