Product specifications

Efficient Networks
®
Router family
Technical Reference Guide
Chapter 2: Product Overview
Efficient Networks
®
Page 2-7
When to Use Routing or Bridging or Both
The following charts describe the operational characteristics of the router when you
enable routing, bridging, or both routing and bridging.
How Routing and Bridging Work Together
The router follows these rules when operating as both a router and a bridge:
• The router operates as a router for network protocols that are enabled for
routing (IP or IPX).
• The router operates as a bridge for protocols that are not supported for
routing.
• Routing takes precedence over bridging; i.e., when routing is active, the
router uses the packet’s protocol address information to route the packet.
• If the protocol is not supported, then bridging uses the MAC address
information to forward the packet.
Table 2-2: Routing vs. Bridging Comparison
IP/IPX Routing On Bridging to/from Remote Router Off
Data packets carried IP (TCP, UDP), IPX
Operational characteristics Basic IP, IPX connectivity
Typical usage When only IP/IPX traffic is to be routed and all other traffic
is to be ignored. For IP, used for Internet access.
IP/IPX Routing On Bridging to/from Remote Router On
Data packets carried IP/IPX routed; all other packets bridged.
Operational characteristics IP/IPX routing; allows other protocols, such as NetBEUI
(that can’t be routed), to be bridged.
Typical usage When only IP/IPX traffic is to be routed but some non-rout-
ed protocol is required. Used for client/server configura-
tions.
IP/IPX Routing Off Bridging to/from Remote Router On
Data packets carried All packets bridged.
Operational characteristics Allows use of protocols that can’t be routed (such as Net-
BEUI).
Typical usage Peer-to-peer bridging and when the remote end supports
only bridging.