Networking

COURSEWORK. GROUP 5
MEMBERS:
SOLOME NAMULI - SEP19/DCOMP/009U
COLLINS MUTAGWANYA - SEP18/DCOMP/002U
Bridges

 A bridge is a network device that connects Local area Networks on the

same protocol.

 A network bridge serves to create a single aggregate network from

multiple communication networks or network segments. This function is
called network bridging. Bridging connects two separate networks as if
they were a single network.
 In the OSI model, bridging is performed in the data link layer. If one or
more segments of the bridged network are wireless, the device is known as
a wireless bridge.
Types of bridges
Transparent bridge
 A transparent bridge is invisible to the other devices on the network. Transparent
bridges perform only the function of blocking or forwarding data based on the
MAC address; the devices on the network are oblivious to these bridges’
existence. Transparent bridges are by far the most popular types of bridges.
 In the context of a two-port bridge, one can think of the forwarding information
base as a filtering database. A bridge reads a frame's destination address and
decides to either forward or filter. If the bridge determines that the destination
host is on another segment on the network, it forwards the frame to that segment.
If the destination address belongs to the same segment as the source address, the
bridge filters the frame, preventing it from reaching the other network where it is
not needed.
Source-Route Bridge:
 In source routing, the sending station is aware of all the bridges in the network and predetermines
the complete route to the destination station before transmitting.

Translational bridge:
 A translational bridge can convert from one networking system to another by translating the data
it receives. Translational bridges are useful for connecting two different networks, such as
Ethernet and Token Ring networks. Depending on the direction of travel, a translational bridge
can add or remove information and fields from the frame as needed.
Advantages of bridges
 Bridges can reduce network traffic on a segment by subdividing network communications
 Bridges reduce collisions
 Some bridges connect networks using different media types and architectures.

Disadvantages of Bridges
 They are slower compared to repeaters due to filtering.
 Do not filter broadcasts
 They are more expensive compared to repeaters
Gateways:
 A gateway is a network node(device) that connects together two networks that are using different
protocols. It acts as a gate between 2 devices and enables traffic to flow in and out of a network

 The gateway node is considered to be on the "edge" of the network as all data must flow through it
before coming in or going out of the network. It may also translate data received from outside
networks into a format or protocol recognized by devices within the internal network.
 Gateway works in OSI model’s all layer.
 A router is a common type of gateway used in home networks. It allows computers within the local
network to send and receive data over the Internet. A firewall is a more advanced type of gateway,
which filters inbound and outbound traffic, disallowing incoming data from suspicious or
unauthorized sources. communication between two networks using two different protocol.
Types of gateways
Bidirectional Gateway
 Bidirectional means data flows in both directions, whereas Unidirectional
means data flows in only one direction. A socket is created as a
bidirectional resource (capable of both sending and receiving), even if it is
only used in a unidirectional manner in code.

Unidirectional Gateway
 A unidirectional network (also referred to as a unidirectional gateway or
data diode) is a network appliance or device that allows data to travel in
only one direction
Gateway between 2 networks
Advantages of Gateway
 Gateways are being used to expand the network.
 Allows a connection between two different types of networks.
 Protocol conversions can be done with the gateway’s component.

Disadvantages of Gateway
 Gateways are so slower than the other devices network.
 More expensive than the other valuable devices.
 Never filter out the information/data.
 The transmission rate is slower.