How is a broadcast domain defined in networking?

A broadcast domain is defined as a logical division of a computer network in which any broadcast sent by a device within that domain is received by all other devices in the same domain. This means that when a device sends out a broadcast message, all devices that are part of that particular broadcast domain will receive it, allowing for communication that does not require a specific destination address.

Essentially, broadcast domains are determined by the network devices that handle or filter broadcasts. For instance, routers typically break up broadcast domains because they do not forward broadcast messages. In contrast, switches and hubs operate within a broadcast domain because they forward all received broadcasts to all connected devices. The logical nature of the broadcast domain allows for efficient communication among devices without interfering with others on different segments of the network.

Understanding this concept is crucial in network design, as managing broadcast traffic is essential for maintaining performance and avoiding congestion in larger networks.