Which device is primarily used to connect multiple devices within the same network segment?

A switch is primarily used to connect multiple devices within the same network segment because it operates at the data link layer of the OSI model. When devices such as computers, printers, and servers are connected to a switch, the switch can intelligently determine the destination of data packets based on MAC addresses. This means it can send data directly to the intended device instead of broadcasting it to all devices, which enhances network efficiency and reduces congestion.

Switches facilitate full-duplex communication, allowing devices to send and receive data simultaneously, further optimizing performance on the network. Additionally, they support features such as VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) which can segment a network logically, increasing security and management capabilities.

In contrast, other devices like routers are used to connect different networks (such as a local home network to the internet), bridges connect two or more network segments but typically operate at a higher layer with less intelligence than switches, and hubs simply broadcast data to all connected devices without any filtering or intelligence, making them less efficient than switches.