Bridges operate at the physical and data link layers, regenerating signals and filtering by MAC addresses. There are two main types: transparent bridges, which stations are unaware of and forwarding is automatic based on learning; and source routing bridges, which require frames to specify the path through bridges to prevent loops. Routers connect LANs and WANs by routing packets based on logical addresses using dynamic routing tables and protocols like RIP. Gateways are computers that operate at all layers, connecting different models like OSI and Internet, interpreting and forwarding application messages between the models.