Effect of segmenting an Ethernet with a bridge/switch: which statements correctly describe the impact on collision and broadcast domains?

Introduction / Context:
Switches (bridges) segment collision domains at Layer 2 but do not, by default, segment broadcast domains. Understanding this distinction is fundamental to LAN design and performance optimization.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Statements include effects on the number and size of collision domains and broadcast domains.
• No VLANs or routing are introduced—just bridging/switching.

Concept / Approach:
Each switch port is its own collision domain, so adding a switch increases the count of collision domains while reducing their size per segment. Broadcasts, however, are forwarded out all ports within the same VLAN, so a single broadcast domain persists unless VLANs or routers are used.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Observe with half-duplex hubs vs switches: collisions vanish per port; broadcasts still reach all ports in the VLAN.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Options including 3 or 4: Claim broadcast domain changes, which is false without VLANs/routers.
Options including 6: “Larger collision domains” is incorrect; the opposite is true.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing VLANs (which segment broadcast domains) with basic switching (which does not).

Final Answer:
1 and 5