Which of the following correctly describes a bridge in networking?

A bridge in networking functions by filtering and forwarding packets based on MAC addresses, which is a fundamental aspect of its operation. When a bridge receives a data packet, it examines the destination MAC address contained within the packet to determine whether to forward it to another segment of the network or to keep it within the same segment. This filtering process helps in reducing network traffic and improving overall efficiency by ensuring that data is only sent to the appropriate segments of the network.

Additionally, bridges operate at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model, which is precisely where MAC addresses are utilized. By making forwarding decisions based on MAC addresses, bridges can intelligently manage network communications and help maintain separate collision domains for each connected segment, contributing to better performance and reduced collisions.

In contrast, the other choices touch on functions that are more characteristic of different devices or broader networking concepts. For instance, while connecting multiple network segments is part of a bridge’s role, it fails to highlight the critical MAC address filtering function. Similarly, forwarding data between different networks is more indicative of a router's functionality, while establishing peer-to-peer connections is typically associated with applications rather than networking devices.