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Transparent Bridge

Vangie Beal
Last Updated October 8, 2021 8:55 am

What is a Transparent Bridge?

Transparent bridges are devices which connects more than one network segments with other bridges to make all routing decisions. A transparent bridge is essentially used to learn the MAC addresses of all nodes and their associated port, to filter incoming frames whose destination MAC addresses are located on the same incoming port, and to forward incoming frames to the destination MAC through their associated port@.

There are two types of Transparent Bridge Modes:

  • Store-and-Forward: Stores the entire frame and verifies the CRC before forwarding the frame. If a CRC error is detected, the frame is discarded.
  • Cut-Through: Forwards the frame just after it reads the destination MAC address without performing a CRC check.
    Adapted from [CCIE Routing and Switching Exam Certification Guide]