What is Bridging?
In networking terms, Bridging and Bonding are often confused with each other. While they may sound similar, they are two very different technologies.
Bridging is hardware or software that acts as a link between two networks allowing them to act as one. This means devices on two separate networks would be able to “talk” to each other as if they were a part of the same network, but has nothing to do with combining the speeds of two Internet connections.
Bridging is one of the features offered in Connectify Hotspot MAX. When Connectify is in Bridging Mode it allows devices on your Hotspot and shared network to communicate with each other directly, without going through a Network Address Translation mechanism (NAT).
Side by side
Where the built-in Windows 11 hotspot stops and Connectify Hotspot keeps going
Windows 11 has a hotspot built in, and for a quick share between two devices the built-in version is fine. The gaps show up when the hotspot has to stay up, carry more devices, or do something a plain hotspot cannot.
Available for Windows 10 and 11
Checked against the Windows 11 hotspot, August 2026
What is Channel Bonding?
Channel Bonding involves the aggregation of multiple Internet connections so that download and upload speeds are added together. If you were to bond a broadband connection of 10 Mbps and another connection of 5 Mbps you could potentially get a maximum speed of up to 15 Mbps. You can even bond smaller connections together; like three smaller broadband connections of 3 Mbps for speeds up to 9 Mbps and so forth. Bonding gives you the ability to achieve a faster connection without having to upgrade to a much more expensive Internet package.
Speedify offers bonding, which is why it’s an excellent alternative to upgrading your Internet speed.
Need to bridge networks? Use Connectify Hotspot
Connectify Hotspot is a software app for Windows that turns your laptop or PC into a virtual router, allowing you to share any Internet connection with all your devices via a Wi-Fi hotspot and more. Among its modes of operation, it also offers a fast and easy way to bridge 2 networks, so that all your devices and talk seamlessly and without any issues. Watch the embedded video above to see how easy it is to get bridging! Download Connectify Hotspot for FREE now – no email sign-up necessary!
So, when you see ‘bonding’ think of the word ‘combine’ like how Speedify can combine multiple Internet connections into one super-fast connection. And when you see ‘bridging’, think of the word ‘link’ – similar to how Connectify Hotspot acts as a link between the shared network and devices on your Wi-Fi hotspot.
Available for Windows 10 and 11