Difference between Bridge and Gateway

In a computer network, physical devices are utilized to communicate with other devices. These gadgets are also referred to as Network Hardware. The basic purposes of computer networks are connectivity and network traffic control. The network may be expanded or divided by utilizing the network devices.

The backbone devices of networking are the bridge and gateway. A "bridge" has two layers: the physical layer and the second one is data link layer. A "gateway" may access all seven layers of the OSI model. The key distinction between a bridge and a gateway is that a bridge is only utilized to send the frame to the intended destination in the most effictive path. Using a gateway, a packet may be converted from one protocol's format to another's format.

In this article, you will learn about the difference between Bridge and Gateway. But before discussing the differences, you must know about Bridge and Gateway with their uses, advantages, and disadvantages.

What is Bridge?

A bridge is a type of network component that enables two distinct LAN networks to connect utilizing the same protocol. The frames are sent across two distinct LAN networks. The network hardware, such as bridges, operates in the data link layer. A bridge is a repeater that filters the information by reading the MAC address from the source. The bridge is a two-port device due to its single input and output ports.

The bridges may be utilized to track down the computer causing the network issue by monitoring the traffic from the machines. Each network node's address is stored, and packets are sent to their destinations based on the stored address. The network is split into smaller networks by the bridge. The network is divided by the bridge utilizing different bandwidths. Additionally, keep the bridge's traffic on a different side.

Working of Bridge

Let's understand the working of a bridge in a computer network by utilizing the following steps:

1. A frame with the destination address is sent to a bridge.
2. The physical addresses of all the system stations that are linked to a bridge are kept in a look-up table that the bridge controls.
3. It makes a comparison between the addresses in the look-up table and the destination address in the frame.
4. If a match is discovered in the table, the bridge defines which segment the packet belongs to and sends it on to its final station.

Types of Bridges

There are mainly three types of bridges, including Source routing bridge, Transparent bridge, and Translation Bridge.

1. Source Routing Bridge

It is the less expensive bridge. It only joins two LAN networks. The addresses are manually entered into the lookup table. Its maintenance takes more time than it saves money.

2. Transparent Bridge

It is the most well-liked bridge with invisible devices. Since it is unknown whether the network in this bridge was added or removed, reconfiguration is not required. Bridge learning and bridge forwarding are two of the functions of this bridge.

3. Translation Bridge

Translation bridge generates its look-up table dynamically and keeps it updated during its bridging activities.

What is Gateway?

A Gateway works on all seven layers of the OSI model. A gateway performs as a "protocol converter". A device called the Gateway connects many protocols across a fragmented network. It is a host network entry point via a distant network. In comparison to the bridge, the Gateway is more complicated and strong.

Gateway servers are sometimes known as proxy servers or firewall servers. Gateways are responsible for the data routing. Several types of gateways are based on data flow, such as bidirectional, cloud storage gateways, unidirectional, network, and so on. The Gateway may translate between two things like electrical components and media. The gateway is more adaptable in comparison to the bridge since it translates addresses between several networks.

Working of Gateway

Let's understand the working of a gateway in a computer network by utilizing the following steps:

1. A gateway receives a data packet structure for a protocol (such as Apple Talk) that is utilized by the sender's network.
2. After that, it formats that data packet for another protocol (such as TCP/IP) that is utilized by the receiver's network.
3. A gateway sends a data packet to its destination/receiver's network after transforming its format.

Key differences between Bridge and Gateway

There are various key differences between Bridge and Gateway. Some of the key differences between Bridge and Gateway are as follows:

1. A bridge is a networking device for computers that links two similar networks that follow the same rule or protocol. It sends frames between two distinct LAN networks. In contrast, the gateway is any software and hardware combination that joins two distinct networks that utilize separate protocols. For instance, the gateway may link a LAN system to a mainframe system.
2. Bridge works in the physical and data link layers of the OSI model. In contrast, the gateway works at all seven layers of the OSI layers.
3. The bridge analyzes the destination address on the receiver frame and transmits it to the correct address. In contrast, the gateway enables two separate networks utilizing different protocols to interact with one another.
4. The bridge is mainly utilized to create the signal and locate the most effective path for the frame to be transmitted. In contrast, the gateway is mainly utilized to improve interoperability while communicating between two networks that employ distinct protocols.
5. A bridge joins two separate LAN networks. On the other hand, the gateway transforms the protocol.
6. The bridge format of the packet is not modified during use. In contrast, the packet format is altered in the gateway.
7. The bridge is not installed in the router. In contrast, the gateway is installed within a router.
8. Data in a bridge is transferred in the form of frames. In contrast, data in the gateway is likewise in the form of a packet.

Head-to-head comparison between Bridge and Gateway

Here, you will learn the head-to-head comparisons between Bridge and Gateway. The main differences between Bridge and Gateway are as follows:

Conclusion

In conclusion, bridges and gateways are the most important component of computer networking. Bridges and gateways are both the backbone of networking devices. The primary distinction between these two networking devices is that a bridge joins two networks that utilize the same protocol. In contrast, a gateway links two dissimilar networks that utilize separate protocols. Gateways may link two networks that utilize different protocols. They give network users access to systems that are not on their local networks.