What are bridges primarily used for in networking?

Bridges are primarily utilized in networking to connect local area networks (LANs) or to reduce collision domains within a network. When multiple devices communicate over the same network, the chances of collisions—where two devices attempt to send data simultaneously—can increase. This can lead to inefficiencies and data loss. By employing a bridge, network traffic can be segmented, minimizing collisions and improving overall network performance.

Bridges operate at the data link layer of the OSI model, facilitating communication between different segments of a network and allowing for more efficient data transmission. They analyze incoming data packets and determine whether to forward them to another segment based on MAC addresses, which helps in managing and directing traffic effectively. This reduces the size of collision domains, leading to better utilization of bandwidth and lower chances of packet loss.

The other options, while relevant to different aspects of networking, do not accurately represent the primary function of bridges. For instance, connecting video conferencing systems refers more to the types of devices or protocols used in communication rather than the specific role of a bridge. Similarly, encrypting data and monitoring network performance involve other specialized functions that are not the focus of what bridges do in terms of connecting networks.