What primary function does a bridge perform in networking?

A bridge plays a crucial role in networking by connecting different network segments, which is essential for communicating across distinct areas within a larger network. By interlinking these segments, a bridge facilitates data traffic between them, effectively allowing for a more organized and efficient data flow.

The primary advantage of using a bridge is its ability to filter traffic, as it examines incoming data packets and decides whether they should be forwarded to other segments. This filtering helps reduce unnecessary traffic on each segment, resulting in improved performance and reduced collisions.

For example, in a scenario where two LAN segments are running into issues due to excessive traffic, a bridge can segment the network, enabling better traffic management and reducing the overall load on each individual segment.

Other functions such as encoding data for security, amplifying network signals, or routing data between networks do not define the primary capabilities of a bridge. While these might be relevant to networking concepts, they pertain to different types of devices or functions.