Bridging precautions

The practical application of an Ethernet bridge is to span two Ethernet networks that are not otherwise connected. If they are connected by another path, then a bridge loop allows multiple paths to the same node. When multiple paths to the same node occur, then a broadcast storm can result in a saturated network, resulting in denial of service for legitimate traffic. Typically, this is alleviated by a network switch that support the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) to detect and prevent such a network loop. The XLR PRO does not implement STP.

As a precaution, when using bridging, only connect one of the XLR PRO devices to the same Ethernet network to avoid bridging loops. If you create multiple paths and you connect enterprise level switches with STP to the XLR PRO devices, then the connected switch ports are shutdown.

When bridging two networks, if each has its own DHCP server, it can create many problems.