Routers vs Bridges

Chimp Paradox

Chimp Paradox

Chimp Paradox

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Due to some confusion caused by my other thread, I am rewording my question:

Is there any practical difference between a router set up as a bridge vs a bespoke, manufacturer made bridge when used in your home network?

What is the difference between a bridge and an access point?
 
in simple terms

a bridge connects 2 networks/subnet together - It works at layer 1 and 2 of the OSI model

a router determines the next network to which a packet should be forwarded toward its destination - It works at layer 3 of the OSI model
 
I guess the actual question you need to ask is this:

What is it you want to achieve?

Just read your other thread.

Try asking again, keep it simple as to what you want. And maybe draw a diagram.
 
I'll try and help...

Chimp Paradox said:
Is there any practical difference between a router set up as a bridge vs a bespoke, manufacturer made bridge when used in your home network?
Click to expand...

I'd say no. I use two Dlink DIR-615s (which I think are old Virgin Media routers off ebay) in repeater bridge mode. My "server" PC is plugged into one, my media player plugs in to another and I can play video files to my TV.

So while there may be technical differences in use they'd do the same thing.
 
A router is most peoples "gateway" to the internet. It handles everything you need to get onto the internet. PPPo(A/E), DHCP, NAT as well as wireless connection and ethernet ports.

Bridge is a "grey" term and can be used in many contexts.
A wireless bridge is effectively 2 wireless devices connecting to each other forming an invisible cable between them.
A bridge on an interface is binding the 2, you may for example bridge 2 ethernet ports on your motherboard so one is connected to the router (providing internet) and the other to your xbox so it can get online.
"Bridge" is also a term used in some router configs in place of simply using "wireless access point" Usually when set as "bridge" a router becomes purely a wireless access provider and does not do any of its normal stuff (NAT, DHCP, sessions) and takes its connections from a router which is already providing all of this.

So to answer your last question, there is usually no difference between a router set as a bridge and a wireless access point, however it depends on the access point you are referring as they are a whole new catacomb of confusion.

If I am right from my "skim" over your other thread, use your current router "a" as a router and your second router "b" as a bridge and you will increase wireless connectivity through your house but there will need to be a cable between them.

I don't *think* or know of any router that can currently be a receiver over a wireless bridge AND broadcast it's own wifi network.

HTH
 
Thanks all.

So what I am trying to achieve is fastest possible speeds across my network internally in order to stream blu ray files across it. At present I don't have a wifi adapter in one of my machines, and instead it connects to the main router via powerline Ethernet.

My understanding is that is I use a second router as a "bridge" it dispenses with need for an adapter since it would be hard wired into the second machine.

I have no idea how much Asus will charge for this bridge coming out, but I assume less than £200. Its pictured halfway down this thread

http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/i...4/[maylyns-review]-asus-rt-ac87u-4781419.html

What is disappointing from what you are saying is that Id hoped to use it as both an adapter, in effect (as a bridge) and an increase in wireless signal for upstairs. And it was precisely the latter which I thought would represent the biggest benefit over the bespoke bridge which might justify the extra cost
 
What is wrong with the powerline solution? Setting up a wireless bridge is a PITA (been there) and doesn't always work as well as intended.

If you want better wifi coverage, have you considered a different router?
 
I dont want better coverage per se, I just hoped it would be an extra benefit of the expense of the second router. I have no issues with coverage otherwise as the Asus is pretty much best in class.

Bridge is a necessity to get the highest transfer rate. My powerline is slow, for some reason.
 
A file from what to what exactly? What is the connectivity exactly?

Server > homeplug > homeplug > PC?

What network cards are in the source and destination computers?
 
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