Why does my Mac keep 'network bridging', what does that mean?

I'm constantly finding that my mac's wifi connection is being used by a 'virtual interface', it's usually listed a "Thunderbolt 1 bridge'. When I quit the process I get the below message

It's persistent and I've tried so many different troubleshooting routes - any help would be appreciated .

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 11.4

Posted on Jun 29, 2021 9:43 AM

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2 replies

HWTech

Level 9

68,606 points

Jul 1, 2021 11:40 AM in response to Chargw_

This is perfectly normal. Since many recent Macs no longer have an Ethernet port you must use the Thunderbolt or USB ports with an appropriate Ethernet Adapter. macOS then needs to "bridge" a connection between the Thunderbolt or USB protocols to the Ethernet protocols.

Chargw_ Author

Level 1

11 points

Jun 29, 2021 3:11 PM in response to Chargw_

An Etre Check network reading:

Via network preferences:

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Why does my Mac keep 'network bridging', what does that mean?