What is thunderbolt bridge?

Thunderbolt Bridge allows two computers to be connected directly via a Thunderbolt cable, creating a high-speed, low-latency network connection. This offers several advantages:

  • High-Speed File Transfers: Significantly faster than traditional Ethernet or Wi-Fi for transferring large files between computers. This is due to Thunderbolt's high bandwidth.

  • Target Disk Mode Alternative: It serves as an alternative to using Target%20Disk%20Mode for data transfer on Macs. Target Disk Mode requires one Mac to be booted into a special mode, while Thunderbolt Bridge works with both computers running normally.

  • Networking and Shared Resources: Facilitates setting up a small, private network between two machines. This can be used to share internet connections or access resources on the other computer.

  • Compatibility: Requires computers with Thunderbolt ports and operating system support for Thunderbolt Bridging (typically macOS or Linux with proper drivers).

  • Configuration: Configuration typically involves setting up a network interface on both computers and assigning IP addresses. macOS has built-in support for this in the Network preferences.

  • Use Cases: Useful for professionals like video editors, photographers, and developers who frequently need to move large files between workstations or laptops. It's also helpful for system administrators managing multiple machines.