Say I create a bridge interface on linux (br0) and add to it some interfaces (eth0, tap0, etc.). My understanding is that this interface act like a virtual switch with all its interfaces/ports that I add to it.
What is the meaning of assigning a MAC and an IP address to that interface? Does the interface act as an additional port on the switch/bridge which allows other ports to access the host machine?
I have seen some pages talk about assigning an IP address to a bridge. Is the MAC assignation implied (or automatic)?