What is the primary function of a network bridge?

The primary function of a network bridge is to connect and filter traffic between Ethernet segments. Bridges operate at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model, meaning they are responsible for forwarding data based on MAC addresses. They analyze incoming data packets and decide whether to forward them to the appropriate segment or to filter them out, preventing unnecessary traffic from being sent to other segments. This helps to reduce collisions in a network, increase overall efficiency, and improve performance by segmenting the network into smaller, more manageable sections.

In a situation where multiple Ethernet segments are present, a bridge ensures that only the traffic intended for a particular segment is allowed through, thus creating a more organized and efficient network. This capability to connect and intelligently manage traffic flow plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity and performance of local area networks (LANs).