A bridge is used when connecting two (or more) networks that have similar topology and technology. It is a device that simply transfers data without regard to its format.
You might connect two home networks that use mesh topology (like a wireless network) using a network bridge.
If the networks have different technology or topology (physical design), you would use a gateway. A gateway can be either hardware or software, or a combination of both. The device used to connect your home LAN to the internet (a WAN), for example is a type of gateway.
You might connect two home networks that use mesh topology (like a wireless network) using a network bridge.
If the networks have different technology or topology (physical design), you would use a gateway. A gateway can be either hardware or software, or a combination of both. The device used to connect your home LAN to the internet (a WAN), for example is a type of gateway.