Mac Bridge - Explanation appreciated

Can anyone explain what purpose a MAC bridge serves? I switched from a shared access point networking arrangement using Internet Connection Sharing, to an actual hardware wireless router (Netgear 80211g) with a cable modem connection. I had trouble getting on the internet from my main pc to input specs into the router web site until someone suggested disabling the MAC Bridge. This worked, but since I don't know what a MAC bridge is I am not sure if I overrode any security feature or perhaps did something else. I am woking fine now but just want to make sure. Thanks.

 

Its something you accidently installed

Its used to connect unlike media networks, such as firewire network to ethernet. So, if you have one, and don't need it, you can see the problem.

http://www.homenethelp.com/web/howto/windows-xp-bridge.asp

 

Thanks much for the explanation - it probably installed with the software for the prior wireless adapters which facilitated ICS. Thanks again.

 

Either that, or it was installed when you ran through the XP network setup wizard. It loves to throw bridges in there, when you don't need them.