A teleconference bridge is the equipment used to provide a one to many communication link (teleconference). We cannot consider bridge as a mere hardware that connects multiple incoming lines, it also incorporates software that enhances the bridge capabilities for additional features like automated call up service, etc…

Most of the service providers will have this bridge setup in their network. For a party or person to make up a teleconference call, he needs to dial a special number provided by their service provider. Actually this number will be traced by the service providers system and the dial request will be redirected to teleconferencing bridge. Who will be automatically prompted for numbers of other parties to be involved in this conference? More advanced bridge software’s provide functionalities like modifying conference call setup , That is , the caller can set the permission level for other involving in conference e.g.,  He can restrict a called party to listen to his audio but not participate in discussion.

A private meeting can also be setup using the teleconference bridge. Here the organization members will be provided with a secret number. So they can dial that number to join the meeting. These numbers are provided by service provider to their customers only based on request.

Many private organizations, have own bridge setup to conduct meetings for staffs from different department through LAN connection. A person can setup an automatic caller service functionality, to inform the staffs about upcoming meeting. This reduces the total time take to inform and arrange a meeting. Further, Bridges have capability to setup conference meeting or net meeting across internet through IP and voIP protocols.