In Windows XP, a Network Bridge is a feature that is used to combine two or more
local area networks (such as wired and wireless) into one logical
network. Computers on each network can communicate
with computers on all of the other networks, sharing files, printers and even
an
Internet connection.
To create a
bridge between two or more network
connections, open the Network Connections folder. Hold down the
Ctrl key while clicking the desired
connections, then right click one of them and select Bridge Connections. The
Network Bridge will appear in the list of network connections, along with the
connections that are included in the bridge.
The Network Bridge takes on most of the attributes of a normal network
connection. To configure it, right click the Network Bridge and select
Properties. You can add or remove connections from the bridge, enable protocols
and clients, assign an
IP address, create a
connection icon in the notification area and other options. When a network
connection is added to the Network Bridge, it loses its individual attributes.
It no longer has an IP address, clients,
protocols,
and so on.
See also "XP
ICS - Network Bridge" on
PracticallyNetworked.com.
