What network device can connect multiple LAN segments and filter traffic?

A switch is the correct choice because it operates on the data link layer of the OSI model and is specifically designed to connect multiple LAN segments while efficiently filtering and forwarding data packets between them. When a switch receives data, it examines the MAC address in the frame to determine which device on the network the data is intended for. This allows it to send the packet only to the relevant device, rather than broadcasting it to all connected devices, which minimizes unnecessary traffic on the network and enhances performance.

Furthermore, switches can learn the MAC addresses of devices on the network over time, building a MAC address table that helps them make intelligent forwarding decisions. This capability allows switches to manage network traffic more effectively than simpler devices such as hubs, which simply repeat data to all ports without any filtering or forwarding logic.

In contrast to a router, which connects different networks and makes decisions based on IP addresses, a switch operates within the same network and focuses on efficient packet switching. A bridge also connects LAN segments; however, it is typically more limited in terms of functionality compared to a switch. A hub, being the simplest device, merely connects multiple devices but does not filter or segment traffic, leading to more collisions and inefficient use of bandwidth.