To improve the efficiency of hubbed networks, bridges were introduced to segment the network. Bridges learn the MAC addresses on each side of the bridge, and will only forward data it knows is destined for a device on the opposite side of the bridge. Usually, a bridged network would also include hubs. The following diagram shows a simplified bridged network:
Figure 2.19: A bridged network
When Computer A wants to talk to Computer B, the data is sent to the hub. The hub sends the data to Computer B and also to the bridge. When the data is received at the bridge, it checks the destination MAC address and sees that it belongs ...
