Is there a difference between a bridge and a crossover cable between two machines?
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1We need a little context. Why are you asking? Operationally, there isn't any difference, but it depends on why you're asking.– Ron TrunkMay 20, 2016 at 18:47
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@RonTrunk I'm asking because I want to learn about the difference between layer 2 and layer 3 in the OSI model, and I want to know if there's a difference. (lame I know) I thought maybe there might be a gateway with one, and no gateway with the other...but really I think that's layer 3 stuff.– leeand00May 20, 2016 at 18:51
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A bridge is a network device that turns one collision domain into two collision domains. A crossover cable establishes one collision domain between two nodes. Neither of them are aware of anything that would be considered layer 3 in the OSI sense.– Todd WilcoxMay 20, 2016 at 18:52
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I think it would be more correct to say a bridge connects two collision domains.– Ron TrunkMay 20, 2016 at 18:56
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1Would recommend this article series on how packets move through a network. Specifically the article discussing Layer 2, Layer 3, and their differences and inter-operation, as well as the articles which describe host to host communication through a switch and through a router.– EddieMay 20, 2016 at 21:44
1 Answer
Yes. A crossover cable approximates a hub moreso than a bridge as the hub simply forwards all frames out of all ports. The bridge will keep a mac-address table or bridge table and will forward frames to only those ports that see traffic from said host.