Which of the following identifies the primary role of subnetting?

The primary role of subnetting is to divide a network into smaller, manageable segments. This approach offers several benefits that enhance network performance and administration. By creating subnets, network administrators can improve organization, reduce broadcast traffic, and enhance security through segmentation. Each subnet functions as a distinct network that can operate independently, which helps to streamline network management and troubleshooting.

This segmentation is particularly useful for large organizations where various departments or teams need to manage their network traffic separately. By isolating traffic, subnetting also aids in maintaining efficient communication within the network and reducing the risk of network congestion. Properly implemented subnetting can lead to optimized performance, as it allows for specific network policies to be applied according to the needs of each segment.

In contrast, maximizing bandwidth, minimizing IP address usage, and increasing latency do not fundamentally encapsulate the primary purpose of subnetting. While subnetting can indirectly contribute to more efficient IP address usage and has the potential to optimize bandwidth, those are not its main objectives. Additionally, increasing latency is contrary to the goals of subnetting, which seeks to enhance network performance and responsiveness.