A Forwarding Database is used to forward or filter packets on behalf of a controller, service platform, or access point. The packet's destination MAC address is read and the controller, service platform, or access point decides to either forward the packet or drop (filter) it. If it is determined that the destination MAC is on a different network segment, the device forwards the packet to the segment. If the destination MAC is on the same network segment, the packet is dropped (filtered). As nodes transmit packets through the bridge, the bridge updates its forwarding database with known MAC addresses and their locations on the network. This information is then used to filter or forward the packet.