Is a router classified as a kind of bridge?

[CZroe]

There is a topic in my school book called "routers and bridges" and a sentance that specifically mentions data takes a route through a bridge to another network, and specifically states that it can handle multiple protocols, but a test question asked:
Bridges can route network packets to different networks, and can route multiple protocols. True or False?
The "correct" answer was false. Was the test right? Thnx!

 

[Santa]

All a typical bridge is for is connecting multiple broadcast domains together and thats it. The bridge is not supposed (sp) to look at any Layer 3 information.

There are new types of Multi-Layer switches/bridges that look at routed information but this is where it is bluring the lines between a router and a bridge. Vendors are trying to make switches/bridges more intellegent but this test is not accounting for this.

Learn what you need to for a test and then learn real life situation and new technology. Try your best to distinguise what they are asking and in what context.

 

[Tallgeese]

<< All a typical bridge is for is connecting multiple broadcast domains together and thats it. The bridge is not supposed (sp) to look at any Layer 3 information. >>

Let me kinda clarify the first part of that..

Assuming we are talking about definitions in the strictly theoretical sense of the OSI model--

A BRIDGE is used to segment a single collision domain. Bridges will forward broadcasts. As a Layer 2 device, it forwards traffic based on MAC address tables (normally dynamically created). It cannot makes decisions based on Layer 3 (network) information.

A ROUTER is used to connect different (distinct) networks or subnets. Routers will not forward broadcasts. As a Layer 3 device, it routes traffic based on route tables (either static or dynamically created).

So yes, your book is correct, according to the strict OSI model definitions of these devices.