# SoftEther VPN Bridge Guide

> Configure SoftEther VPN Bridge to connect remote networks at Layer 2 - cascade connections, local bridges, and integration with physical networks

Source: https://opennix.org/en/docs/softether-vpn/manual/softether-vpn-bridge-guide/

SoftEther VPN Bridge is software that lets you create cascade connections to a SoftEther VPN Server Virtual Hub and provides Layer 2 bridge connectivity.

## VPN Bridge Overview
VPN Bridge is designed for the following scenarios:

- Cascade connection: connecting remote networks over VPN
- Bridge connection: joining physical and virtual networks
- LAN extension: extending a local network across the Internet
## Operating Modes

### Service Mode
- Automatic startup as a system service
- Runs in the background
- Recommended for permanent connections

### User Mode
- Runs in the user context
- Requires an active user session

## Differences Between VPN Server and VPN Bridge
| Feature               | VPN Server     | VPN Bridge         |
|-----------------------|----------------|--------------------|
| Virtual Hub           | Multiple       | One (virtual)      |
| Local bridges         | Supported      | Core function      |
| Authentication        | Full system    | Simplified         |
| Cascade connections   | Accepts        | Initiates          |
| SecureNAT             | Supported      | Not supported      |

## Configuring a Local Bridge
#### Creating a Bridge with a Physical Adapter
```shell

# Connect to Bridge management
vpncmd localhost /bridge

# Create a local bridge
BridgeCreate BRIDGE1 /DEVICE:"Ethernet"

```
#### Viewing Available Network Adapters

```shell

# List network adapters
BridgeDeviceList

```

## Cascade Connections
#### Configuring a Cascade Connection

```shell

# Create a cascade connection
CascadeCreate CONNECTION1 /SERVER:vpn.company.com:443 /HUB:CORPORATE /USERNAME:bridge_user

# Set the password for the cascade
CascadePasswordSet CONNECTION1 /PASSWORD:bridge_password /TYPE:standard

# Connect the cascade to the local bridge
BridgeCreate BRIDGE1 /DEVICE:"Ethernet" /TAP:no
CascadeOnline CONNECTION1

```
#### Managing Cascade Connections

```shell

# Bring the cascade online
CascadeOnline CONNECTION1

# Take the cascade offline
CascadeOffline CONNECTION1

# Cascade status
CascadeStatusGet CONNECTION1

```
## TAP Devices (Linux)
On Linux, VPN Bridge can create TAP devices for bridge connectivity:
```shell

# Create a TAP device
BridgeCreate BRIDGE1 /DEVICE:"tap_softether" /TAP:yes

```
## Monitoring and Diagnostics
#### Viewing Statistics
```shell

# Bridge statistics
BridgeList

# Cascade connection statistics
CascadeList

```
#### Logging

```shell

# Enable logging
LogEnable packet /SWITCH:yes

```