Bridge Vs Gateway – Which provides better network security?
Ever wondered how different networking devices compare? Read on as we provide deep insight on the differences between two widely compared devices: a bridge and gateway.
There are many components that go into building a network over a large scale such as schools and office buildings.Among the two most used components are the bridges and gateways. While these devices are totally different in functionality and operation, they are both needed for smooth working of the network. A bridge is a networking device that is used to transmit network and data frames between two different segments whereas a gateway is used to convert network protocols. In other words, a gateway is used to transfer data packets across the whole network(s) using different protocols. Bridges operate usually on the data link and physical layers while gateways cut through all the seven layers of the model. A bridge comes with extra functionality where it can break down large network packets into smaller ones in a process known as fragmentation.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between a Bridge and aGateway?
Devices |
Bridge |
Gateway |
Types |
Source route & transparent and translation |
Physical and web based |
Ports |
Multiple independent:
One port incoming One port outgoing |
Multiple different ports |
OSI Layer |
Data Link layer |
Cuts through all seven layers |
Data filtration |
Yes |
Yes |
Type of address |
MAC address |
MAC address |
Gateway vs. Bridge – How do these devices compare?
Functionality and use
While both of these devices are essential for the operation of a network, they work in different departments of a network system. A bridge is a networking device that operates on the physical and data link layer and is used to transmit frames between two different segments of the local area network. A bridge also serves the purpose of dividing large network packets into smaller parts. A bridge operates by receiving a network frame and reboosting the network signal. It also reads the destination address if the network frame and forwards it to where it is supposed to go. The frame goes to the receiver or destination and only them. This is why it is referred to as an intelligent networking device. A gateway on the other hand operates on all layers of the networking OSI model. This is because it works as a protocol converter. To understand it better, let’s compare it to a router. While a router accepts and transfers data packets within the same protocols, a gateway does the same using different protocols. Therefore, a gateway is seen more as a software inside a router. However, there are hardware gateways which we’ll focus on in this article.
Connections and ports
For physical connectivity, both of these devices come with external ports. The bridge for instance comes with two main ports: one incoming and one outgoing port. This is because bridges are used to transmit frames between two different segments of the LAN. The ports also work independently so that the data packets go to the receiver or destination address only. Gateways on the other hand come with multiple different ports. Physical gateways are used as firewalls just like software gateways. Because of this, they come with different ports to ensure versatility and protect multiple devices. Most gateways vary in number of ports but they usually range between four and ten ports. Others have as little as two ports. The ports include Ethernet RJ45 port, USB port and CLI port for advanced level gateways.
Supported devices
Bridges can either wireless or wired. Because bridges are built to naturally regenerate the signal, they are used today as Wi-Fi extenders in homes and offices. Wireless bridges support all devices that can connect to Wi-Fi such as PCs, smartphones and tablets. Wired bridges on the other hand are used in large scale network connectivity such as in institutions and schools. They come with Ethernet RJ45 ports for LAN connections. Gateways on the other hand are similar to bridges in that there are wireless and wired types. The wireless types support all devices that are connected to it via the Wi-Fi connection while the wired come with multiple different ports. The ports include Ethernet RJ45 port, USB port and CLI port for advanced level gateways among others.
Bridge vs Gateway – A comparison Overview
Bridge – Overview
A bridge is a device that is used within a network system to transmit network frames to the two different Local Area Network of separated segments. The bridge is a device that operates on two layers of the OSI network model: data link layer and the physical layer. In addition, a bride is also used to break down large network packets into smaller ones in a process known as fragmentation. This device is considered an intelligent network device. And this is because it reads destination address of the data being transmitted and sends the data to only that address. A hub, for instance, is an unintelligent device because it would transmit the data packets to all connected devices.
Bridges are versatile in their use. They can be used as Wi-Fi extenders since they regenerate the network signal. This is why today, most Wi-Fi extenders are considered bridges. There are three types of bridges: simple bridges, Multiport Bridge and Transparent Bridge. A simple bridge connects two LANs. A multiport supports more than two LANs and a transparent bridge updates with operations.
EZ-Bridge-Lite EZBR-0214+ Point-to-Point Bridge
- The EZ-Bridge-LT+ is a high power outdoor 250mW wireless bridge system operating in the 2.4GHz unlicensed...
- It complies with the 802.11g and n standards to insure interoperability.
The EZ Bridge-Lite is a fantastic bridge that eliminates all dead zones in your house. As the name suggests, it is a point to point bridge meaning it comes as a two-bridge packet. Because of this, it is mainly used over long distances. The system comes with Ethernet ports for wired connections but basically works as a wireless device from the setup to its configuration. It is stated to connect networks for up to three miles apart. The package comes with two devices to cover long distances. Due to its versatility, you can connect more bridges to it. It is the ideal choice for people with Ethernet only devices and long range coverage. However, if distance is not much of an issue to you, there are smaller and cheaper options to go for. The EZ-Bridge-Lite is fairly expensive but offers great value for money due to its great performance.
Edimax CV-7438 N300 Wireless Bridge
- Extends the range of existing 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi networks
- iQ Setup for easy Wi-Fi extension
It would be hard to list down bridges and not have an Edimax product among them. The Edimax N300 is black bridge that is ideal for connecting Ethernet only devices. This is because it comes with five RJ45 Ethernet ports which is quite decent for a bridge. The setup is quite easy and straightforward such that you only need one touch to setup the WPS. The bridge is quite cheap and a great option for anyone on a tight budget. Furthermore, it supports speeds of up to 300 Mbps. This is perfect for homes and small to medium sized offices.The device also comes with two antennas at the back for superb wireless coverage.
When it comes to design, don’t expect much from the Edimax N300. It is a black rectangular box made from plastic. There are five ethernet ports at the back and two aerial sticking out from each of the sides. For the price, we understand the cheap design. However, they could do much better. Otherwise, the device is a great buy to eliminate dead zones in your house and connecting old devices such as consoles and DVD layers.
TP-Link N300TL-WA801ND Wireless Bridge
- 300Mbps wireless transmission rate, brings smooth wireless N experience
- Supports multiple operating modes: Access Point, Client, Universal/ WDS Repeater, Wireless Bridge
With the growth of home internet use, the TP Link N300 TL would be great addition to your home network. Not only will it eliminate dead zones in your house, it will also increase the Wi-Fi range within your home. This wireless bridge is one of the nicest looking on our list. The device features a futuristic design with a white color with matte finish and two antennas sticking out from the back. It features decent performance with speeds of up to 300 Mbps. It is also quite an affordable option and one of the best options for anyone on a budget. And although it doesn’t provide the best coverage, the speed makes up for this. However, the TP Link N300 lacks a few important features such as WPS and multiple Ethernet ports. It is a great choice for a small house.
Gateway – Overview
A gateway is unique networking device because unlike the rest, it cuts through all seven layers of the networking OSI model. The gateway is referred to as a protocol converter. To understand what this means, let’s compare it to a router. While a router accepts and transfers data packets within the same protocols, a gateway does the same using different protocols. Therefore, a gateway is seen more as a software inside a router. However, there are hardware gateways which we’ll focus on in this article. Gateways today are used in homes and office workplaces as security devices known as firewalls. They are built to detect and monitor incoming and outgoing traffic in your network. By doing this, it is able to detect breaches and security weaknesses keeping your network secure. These gateways are used for devices that do not have their own security systems.
With a physical gateway or firewall, there is extra protection since the SOHO network is secured. It significantly reduces the risk of hacking and other malicious network attacks. The following are some of the best gateways you can use today.
Ubiquiti Unifi Security Gateway
- 3 Gigabit Ethernet ports, CLI management for advanced users
- 1 million packets per second for 64-byte packets
The Ubiquiti Unifi is a wonderful addition to your network system. It is an advanced gateway that features some of the most recent security technology. It also acts as a router which is a great plus. Furthermore, it supports high gigabit speeds of up to 3 Gbps for packet of 512 bytes or larger. Because of this astonishing speed, the gateway is mainly used in business setups. When it comes to pricing, the Ubiquiti Unifi is rather affordable and this is why is can also be used for homes. The device also features some of the best designs we’ve seen for a hardware firewall. It is a white metallic box with matte coating on top to prevent dust and fingerprints from sticking to the surface. There are also three Gigabit Ethernet ports and a CLI port at the back for more advanced connections.
The Ubiquiti Unifi should be placed in between the router and internet so that it filters through the traffic incoming into the router. It also monitors the traffic going into the connected devices. For adjusting the device settings, there is an interface used known as Unifi Controller that allows you to create virtual LANs, Deep Packet Inspection, Intrusion Detection and more.
Bitdefender Box 2
The Bitdefender 2 is the latest release by the company and features some of the best performance we’ve seen on a gateway. It is a small device with an amazing design that provides super security for your devices and network. It works differently from the previous in that it plugs into the router to work. It comes with two gigabit ethernet ports and supports speeds of up to 1 Gbps. It is a great choice for anyone with a relatively high budget and looking for top performance.
Model |
Edimax CV-7438 N300 Wireless Bridge |
Ubiquiti Unifi Security Gateway
|
Ports |
5 |
4 |
Speed |
300 Mbps |
3 Gbps for packet of 512 bytes or larger |
Special features |
Wi-Fi extender |
Deep Packet Inspection, Intrusion Detection |
Color |
White, black |
Metallic grey |
Availability |
Conclusion
The most suitable bridge or gateway for you depends on what best suits your needs. If you are on a budget, we recommend the Edimax Bridge and Ubiquiti Unifi gateway. They are both affordable and offer decent performance for their price tag.
