SonicOS 7.1 System

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Technical Documentation > SonicOS 7.1 System > Interfaces > Interface Settings IPv4 > Layer 2 Bridged Mode > Key Features of SonicOS Layer 2 Bridged Mode

Key Features of SonicOS Layer 2 Bridged Mode

SonicOS Layer 2 Bridged Mode: Key features and benefits outlines the benefits of each key feature of layer 2 bridged mode.

SonicOS Layer 2 Bridged Mode: Key Features and Benefits
Feature Benefit
L2 Bridging with Deep Packet Inspection This method of transparent operation means that a SonicWall firewall can be added to any network without the need for readdressing or reconfiguration, enabling the addition of deep-packet inspection security services with no disruption to existing network designs. Developed with connectivity in mind as much as security, L2 Bridged Mode can pass all Ethernet frame types, ensuring seamless integration.
Secure Learning Bridge Architecture True L2 behavior means that all allowed traffic flows natively through the L2 Bridge. Whereas other methods of transparent operation rely on ARP and route manipulation to achieve transparency, which frequently proves problematic, L2 Bridged Mode dynamically learns the topology of the network to determine optimal traffic paths.
Universal Ethernet Frame-Type Support All Ethernet traffic can be passed across an L2 Bridge, meaning that all network communications continue uninterrupted. While many other methods of transparent operation only support IPv4 traffic, L2 Bridged Mode inspects all IPv4 traffic and passes (or blocks, if desired) all other traffic, including LLC, all Ethertypes, and even proprietary frame formats.
Mixed-Mode Operation L2 Bridged Mode can concurrently provide L2 Bridging and conventional appliance services, such as routing, NAT, VPN, and wireless operations. This means it can be used as an L2 Bridge for one segment of the network, while providing a complete set of security services to the remainder of the network. This also allows for the introduction of the SonicWall firewall as a pure L2 bridge, with a smooth migration path to full security services operation.
Wireless Layer 2 Bridging Use a single IP subnet across multiple zone types, including LAN, WLAN, DMZ, or custom zones. This feature allows wireless and wired clients to seamlessly share the same network resources, including DHCP addresses. The Layer 2 protocol can run between paired interfaces, allowing multiple traffic types to traverse the bridge, including broadcast and non-IP packets.

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