What component allows different network segments to communicate with each other?

The component that allows different network segments to communicate with each other is a router. A router is specifically designed to connect multiple networks and route data between them, ensuring that information can travel from one network segment to another effectively.

Routers handle traffic by forwarding data packets based on their destination IP addresses, which allows them to make intelligent decisions about how to direct that traffic. This capability is crucial when dealing with widespread networks such as those in businesses or homes with multiple devices and network divisions.

In contrast, an access point primarily provides wireless connectivity to a wired network, a hub acts as a basic networking device that connects multiple devices on a single network segment without any intelligent management of data traffic, and a bridge connects two separate network segments but does so using MAC addresses rather than facilitating communication between different networks at an IP level. This is why the router is identified as the correct component for enabling communication across different network segments.