How does a network bridge function compared to a network switch?

A network bridge and a network switch both serve to connect devices within a network, but their functionality and efficiency vary in certain aspects. The correct choice highlights that a bridge filters traffic between two network segments, while a switch manages traffic for multiple devices connected to it.

Bridges operate by examining data packets and using their MAC addresses to filter or forward traffic between two network segments, ensuring that data only travels along the necessary pathways. This helps in reducing collisions and improving overall network efficiency. A switch, on the other hand, does this more effectively by maintaining a switching table that allows it to connect multiple devices simultaneously, facilitating communication without causing congestion.

The key distinction lies in their intended functions. A bridge connects two segments of a network, ideal for smaller networks or specific divisions, while a switch efficiently handles traffic for many connected devices. This makes switches more suitable for modern networks where high performance and low latency are critical.