What function does a network bridge perform?

A network bridge connects two or more network segments to act as a single network. This process allows for communication and data transfer across different segments while maintaining the overall network's efficiency and integrity. By utilizing a bridge, devices on separate segments can communicate as if they were part of the same local area network (LAN).

The bridging function helps to ensure that data packets are transmitted efficiently across the network by filtering traffic, reducing collisions, and segmenting the network for better performance. Bridging operates at the Data Link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model, where it focuses on the MAC addresses of the devices on the network to make decisions about forwarding data.

In contrast, creating virtual networks involves strategies and devices like VLANs, which is not the primary function of a bridge. Managing data packets is typically the role of switches and routers that deal with various layers of the OSI model, while firewalls focus on security rather than connectivity. Thus, the definition and role of a bridge as a connector of network segments make this choice the most accurate representation of its function.