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Bridging and Routing Concepts
A-7
Optimum Use of Resource
Bridged networks use Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) to provide
network resilience, by retaining redundant links on stand-by, in case
the primary link fails. This means that you are not making maximum
use of available resources.
Routing protocols make each node aware of the primary and alternate
routes available, ensuring that resources are not wasted.
Routers have been designed to provide the optimum route through
the network from the workstation through to the destination resource
with which the user wishes to communicate. In a very large network
there could be multiple paths available, and these could change as
dedicated links go in or out of service. These changes in network
topology are handled by routing protocols. However, when using the
ISDN the source network can dial direct to the destination network,
and establish a point-to-point bridged or routed connection. Generally,
when using this type of ISDN dial-up link, routing does not provide
much extra benefit.
Network Organization, Structure and Physical Layout
Some organizations are structured into departments determined by the
physical layout of their work environment, so it is natural to divide the
corporate network into separate logical networks. Routing becomes
the obvious candidate for handling these individual LANs.
The Internet
The protocol adopted by the Defense Data Network (DDN) for the
Internet, is based on obtaining and abiding by, a registered Internet
address range. This makes a router the ideal choice for accessing the
Internet. Unfortunately, new applicants are likely to only get a
Class C
registered Internet address, preventing more than 254 connections on
one bridged IP LAN.