An adaptable network bridge such as an Ethernet bridge includes a Rule Engine that processes data frames according to a set of switching rules. Each switching rule identifies a type of frame to which the rule applies, and how the type of frame is to be processed. The bridge also includes means for dynamically adding, subtracting, or modifying the switching rules in response to changes in the bridge's state information, or changes in context information. If the bridge includes a plurality of input/output ports, the Rule Engine may include a plurality of sets of switching rules, with each set of switching rules being applicable to a different port in the bridge. In this way, different network providers can share the same equipment, but have different network behavior.