network bridge

A network bridge in Windows combines two or more network adapters so devices on separate networks can communicate as if on a single network. Common uses include sharing an internet connection from a PC to a game console or other device without using Internet Connection Sharing (ICS). Users often create a bridge between a wireless adapter and a wired Ethernet adapter to give a device like an Xbox or PS3 internet access. However, bridging can cause issues such as losing internet connectivity when one side of the bridge is disconnected, failure to create a bridge, or disappearance of network icons. Troubleshooting steps include disabling and re-enabling the bridge, checking event logs, and ensuring adapters are not already part of another bridge or ICS configuration.