The primary advantage of using a Layer 2 switch instead of a hub is to?

Using a Layer 2 switch instead of a hub primarily reduces collisions in a network. Hubs operate on a broadcast principle, where they send incoming packets to all connected devices, regardless of the intended destination. This behavior increases the likelihood of collisions, as multiple devices may try to transmit data simultaneously.

In contrast, Layer 2 switches intelligently direct data to specific devices based on MAC addresses. Instead of broadcasting packets to all ports, a switch maintains a MAC address table that allows it to know exactly which device is associated with which port. As a result, when a packet is received, the switch can send it only to the appropriate recipient, minimizing the chances of collisions occurring, thus enhancing the overall efficiency of the network.

This reduced collision rate leads to better performance in data transmission and allows devices to communicate more effectively.