Which device allows two networks to connect to two segments to enable communication between them?

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

Answer: (A)

Connecting two network segments at the data-link layer is what a bridge does. A bridge sits between two LAN segments and forwards frames only when the destination MAC address lies on the other side, using learned MAC address tables to decide where to send traffic. This effectively links the two networks so devices on either side can communicate while keeping traffic isolated to the appropriate segment, reducing unnecessary broadcasts.

Routers operate at the network layer and route packets between different IP networks, not simply bridge two LAN segments. Gateways serve as entry points to another network and can perform protocol translation or other functions beyond simple layer-2 bridging. Switches, while they also forward frames and connect multiple segments, are essentially multiport bridges; the term emphasizes connecting many devices within a network, whereas the scenario highlights linking two segments, which is classically described by a bridge.