Linux Ethernet Bridging - Jan 2008 - [Bridge] Retain an IP address on a i/f partcipating in a bridge?

Currently one must unset the IP address on an i/f that is included in a
bridge and
move the IP address to the bridge i/f instead if one wants to maintain
connectivity with
the box. This is a problem for us as one loses all routes. The rename of the
i/f 
is also a problem.

Is there a fundamental reason one cannot keep the IP address on one i/f that
is a member in a bride? I only have two real interfaces in the bridge if
that 
makes it any easier.
Any pointers where I need to adjust the bride code would be appreciated.

     Jocke

On Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:33:28 +0100
"Joakim Tjernlund" <joakim.tjernlund@transmode.se> wrote:
> Currently one must unset the IP address on an i/f that is included in a
> bridge and
> move the IP address to the bridge i/f instead if one wants to maintain
> connectivity with
> the box. This is a problem for us as one loses all routes. The rename of
the
> i/f 
> is also a problem.
> 
> Is there a fundamental reason one cannot keep the IP address on one i/f
that
> is a member in a bride? I only have two real interfaces in the bridge if
> that 
> makes it any easier.
> Any pointers where I need to adjust the bride code would be appreciated.
> 
>      Jocke
When bridge is active on an interface all packets are processed by the bridge
device not by the individual device.   You can always setup a bridge with only
one interface, or use a script that setups the bridge.