Q & A on Bridges in Ethernet Networks Q: What is the maximum number of bridges allowable on any single LAN? (Please include the possibility of including long distance links via fiber modems or bridged satellite links.) A: Unlike a repeater, a bridge does not affect access protocols (i.e., CSMA/CD). Thus, there is no a priori limit. In practice, however, each bridge introduces a 1-packet delay. Thus, one does not usually plan a network with many bridges.