Brouters

Brouters are protocol-dependent devices. When a brouter receives a frame to be forwarded to the remote segment, it checks to see if it recognizes the Network layer protocol. If the Brouter does, it acts like a router and finds the shortest path. If it doesn't recognize the Network layer protocol, it acts like a bridge and forwards the frame to the next segment.

The key advantage to Brouters is the ability to act as both a bridge and a router. It can replace separate bridges and routers, thus saving money. This is, of course, provided that the Brouter can satisfactorily accomplish both functions .