Abstract: A bridging system, comprising bridges and a network, is arranged to transfer data using TCP/IP or similar between a local Storage Area Network (SAN) and a remote SAN. In one embodiment, a bridge is arranged to transfer data from a plurality of ports in a periodic sequence. While an acknowledgement from the remote SAN for data transferred from one port data is awaited, further data can be transferred using one or more of the remaining ports. In other embodiments, one or more parameters, such as number of ports, Receive Window Size etc., can be optimised using artificial intelligence (AI) routines in order to control the data transfer rate between the bridges. The bridging system may be configured to perform a self-learning routine on installation and, in some embodiments, to compile and consult a knowledge base storing optimum configurations for transferring data packets having different attributes by simulating data transfers.