1. A network bridge comprising: at least one arrangement for configuration and control of the network bridge; at least one interface for providing access to at least some functional blocks of the network bridge for polling and evaluation of at least one of statistical data, performance data, operating data, and parameters, and for manipulation of the at least one of statistical data, performance data, operating data, and parameters, and of the functional blocks, as a function of the evaluation, including detecting a defect in or an attack from a device connected to the network bridge; and situated above the software layer for configuration and control, at least one further software layer via which one of a network operator and a user can control functions of the network bridge; wherein the at least one arrangement includes a software layer within a network bridge architecture.