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Correct Answer: switch
to answer the question of which computer device filters and forwards packets between segments, we first need to understand the functions of each device listed: hub, switch, and router.
a hub is a basic networking device that connects multiple ethernet devices, making them act as a single network segment. it does not filter or forward packets based on content or destination; instead, it broadcasts the incoming packets to all its ports, regardless of the intended recipient. this can lead to collisions and is generally less efficient as network traffic increases.
on the other hand, a switch is more advanced and intelligent compared to a hub. a switch does filter and forward packets between network segments based on their mac addresses (media access control). when a packet arrives at one of its ports, the switch reads the destination mac address and forwards the packet to the specific port where the destination device is connected. this not only reduces unnecessary traffic and potential collisions but also improves the overall efficiency and security of the network.
lastly, a router is used to connect multiple networks together and routes packets between them. it operates at a higher layer than switches and uses ip addresses to determine the best path for forwarding the packets. while routers can filter and forward packets between different networks (not just segments), they are more complex and are typically used for internet connectivity and large network environments.
therefore, among the options provided - hub, switch, router, and all of the above - the correct answer is "switch." a switch specifically filters and forwards packets between different segments of the same network, making it the most appropriate choice for the question asked.
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