What layer of interface is the Linux bridge?

Linux bridge is a layer 2 device that works at the second layer of the OSI model. The main function of the bridge is to connect multiple local networks so that they can communicate with each other. It does this by learning and forwarding the MAC address of data frames.

The operating system of this tutorial: Linux5.18.14 system, Dell G3 computer.

Linux bridge is a network device that works at the second layer (data link layer) of the OSI model. Therefore, a Linux bridge is a Layer 2 (data link layer) device.

The main function of the bridge is to connect multiple local networks (LAN) so that they can communicate with each other. It does this by learning and forwarding the MAC address of data frames.

The following are some important functions of the bridge:

1. Bridged LAN:

The bridge can connect different LANs and transmit Ethernet data frames between them . In this way, devices on different LANs can communicate directly without going through a router.

2. Broadcast isolation:

The bridge can isolate the broadcast domain. When a device sends a broadcast frame, the bridge only delivers the broadcast frame to other devices in the same broadcast domain. This reduces broadcast storms and improves network performance.

3. Connect the virtual machine and the physical network:

If you use virtualization technology (such as KVM or VirtualBox) on Linux, the network bridge can connect the virtual machine and the physical network, making the virtual machine Ability to communicate with other devices.

4. Communication segmentation and redundancy:

By configuring multiple bridges, a large network can be divided into multiple smaller subnets to improve network performance and reliability. A redundant configuration between bridges also provides network redundancy to prevent single points of failure.

In short, the Linux bridge, as a layer 2 device, has functions such as connecting LAN, broadcast isolation, connecting virtual machines and physical networks, communication segmentation and redundancy. It plays an important role in building and managing large networks.

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