Let me explain what I have 1st and then answer the question at end of this:
I have a older pc running XP Pro..
Networking is:
PC # 1 has router,cablemodem, lancard – the usual setup.
PC # 1 also has 1394 – used soley (at moment) for camera.
PC # 1 is the primary computer and in the office.
PC # 2 is soley connectd to home net via a ‘usb wireless linksys’.
and is in the den.
WHat does bridging do for networking (or is it internet)?
And since my only connection is cable & router, what advantages is it?
When I got this pc originally, it was bridged with something but dont remember what (Back then I also had a dialup modem).
Im 100% cablemodem now, and think maybe the bridge was there when the dialup was?
pc#2 is connected to pc#1′s router via a wireless adapter (usb based) that goes to the router wirelessly.
A bridge is a layer 2 device and a router is a layer 3 device. In simple terms, bridges extend the same network and routers are the dividers between different networks. Bridges are very “dumb” devices and therefore are very fast but offer limited functionality. Routers are more intelligent but have to read more of each packet to be able to make decisions so they are slower. That’s really not true these days because of the speed of today’s routers.
In your house, it sounds like you have three Layer 2 networks. One ethernet (802.3), one wireless (802.11x), and the third is your cable Internet. A cable modem is a great example of a bridge, whereby it connects two networks together but they are both are the same subnet in terms of IP (Layer 3).
In home networking, people generally install a router if they have more than one computer to connect. It’s not essential but most people don’t understand the underlying technology so this is the easiest way. It also offers an added layer of security so it’s a good option. In your set-up, I understand how PC #1 is connected but I’m not entirely sure about PC #2. The Wireless LinkSys has to be connected to your cable modem somehow unless you have two separate ISP connections. Here’s a twist – a router can be configured to be a bridge. Your access point may be just this.
I hope this gives you the answers you’re after.
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