Which device is commonly used to connect different network segments into a larger network, enabling inter-segment communication?

Which device is commonly used to connect different network segments into a larger network, enabling inter-segment communication?

• A. Bridge
• B. Router
• C. Switch
• D. Hub

Answer: (A)

This question is about how to join separate LAN pieces into one larger network. A bridge does this by connecting two or more LAN segments at the data-link layer and forwarding frames between them based on MAC addresses. It keeps each segment’s collision domains separate, so devices on different segments can communicate as part of the same larger network without introducing a lot of unnecessary traffic. That makes bridges the natural fit for inter-segment communication within a single network. Routers operate at a higher level (the network layer) and connect different IP networks, routing packets between them rather than simply extending a single LAN. A switch connects devices within a single LAN and can subdivide traffic with VLANs, but without VLANs it treats the whole setup as one broadcast domain and isn’t the typical solution for linking separate segments into one larger network. A hub repeats signals to all ports, creating a single shared collision domain and not enabling controlled inter-segment communication.

This question is about how to join separate LAN pieces into one larger network. A bridge does this by connecting two or more LAN segments at the data-link layer and forwarding frames between them based on MAC addresses. It keeps each segment’s collision domains separate, so devices on different segments can communicate as part of the same larger network without introducing a lot of unnecessary traffic. That makes bridges the natural fit for inter-segment communication within a single network.

Routers operate at a higher level (the network layer) and connect different IP networks, routing packets between them rather than simply extending a single LAN. A switch connects devices within a single LAN and can subdivide traffic with VLANs, but without VLANs it treats the whole setup as one broadcast domain and isn’t the typical solution for linking separate segments into one larger network. A hub repeats signals to all ports, creating a single shared collision domain and not enabling controlled inter-segment communication.