Source routing allows Token-Ring segments to be interconnected by bridges, allowing administrators to segment network traffic. This requires that each workstation maintain a table of routes to the nodes with which it communicates. Furthermore, routing information must be included in the MAC header of each packet it sends. This information instructs bridges how to properly forward each packet to its destination. Source routing can be used instead of, or in conjunction with, NetWare routing.
Transparent bridges interconnect two or more segments.
They examine the MAC header source and destination fields of every packet transmitted on their connected segments. With this table of information, a bridge can determine whether packets should be passed on to other segments. After examining the packets transmitted on both segments, the bridge creates a table that tracks which nodes exist on each segment. With this table, the bridge can filter unnecessary traffic. B. It will, however, retransmit packets sent from node 1 to node 7.