Windows 7 provides the capability to connect or bridge two different network types through software. This can eliminate the need to buy a hardware device to connect two disparate networks.

Bridging is similar to routing, but it's more appropriate for small LANs because it's easier to configure and doesn't require different sets of IP addresses on each network segment. Technically, bridging occurs at the physical level of the network protocol stack. Windows forwards network traffic, including broadcasts and packets of all protocol types received on either adapter to the other. In effect, it creates one larger network.

To enable bridging in your Windows 7 computer, install and configure two or more network adapters. Then do the following:

1. View the connection icons by clicking Start, Control Panel, View Network Status and Tasks (under Network and Internet), Change Adapter Settings.
2. Select the icons you want to bridge by clicking on the first, holding down the Ctrl key, and clicking on the second.
3. Right-click one of the icons and select Bridge Connections.
4. A new icon named Network Bridge appears. Select this new icon and, if you want, rename it appropriately.
5. Double-click the new Network Bridge icon. Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and configure your computer's TCP/IP settings. You must do this because any TCP/IP settings for the original two adapters are lost.

When you've created a bridge, your two network adapters function as one and share one IP address, so Microsoft disables the "network properties" of the individual network adapters. You must configure your computer's network properties with the Network Bridge icon. Remember that the connection between the two networks depends on the computer with the bridge being powered on. You can remove the bridge later by right-clicking the Network Bridge icon and clicking Delete.