Network Bridging
Network bridging is a networking technique that connects two or more network segments at the data link layer (Layer 2 of the OSI model) to create a single, larger network. It operates by forwarding traffic between segments based on MAC addresses, allowing devices on different physical networks to communicate as if they were on the same local area network (LAN). This is commonly used to extend network coverage, integrate disparate network types, or improve performance in segmented environments.
Developers should learn network bridging when working on projects involving network virtualization, containerization, or IoT systems where devices need to communicate across different physical or virtual networks. It is essential for scenarios like connecting virtual machines in hypervisors (e.g., VMware, VirtualBox), setting up Docker networks, or integrating legacy hardware into modern networks, as it simplifies management and enhances connectivity without requiring IP routing.