What type of traffic does a bridge domain in Cisco ACI primarily manage?

A bridge domain in Cisco ACI primarily manages Layer 2 traffic. This is because a bridge domain serves as a logical construct that defines a broadcast domain for Layer 2 (Ethernet) that enables communication between endpoints within that domain. When endpoints within the same bridge domain communicate, they use Layer 2 protocol operations, such as MAC address learning and forwarding, which are essential for Ethernet traffic handling.

The focus on Layer 2 traffic is important in network virtualization contexts like Cisco ACI, where segmentation and policy can be effectively applied at this layer. This allows for isolation and management of traffic types within the bridge domain, while maintaining a flat addressing structure for devices communicating at Layer 2.

In contrast, while multicast traffic is a specific type of Layer 2 traffic, it is not the only type handled by a bridge domain. Layer 3 traffic pertains to routing and is managed through other constructs such as routed domains. As for all types of network traffic, a bridge domain does not encompass Layer 3 traffic or inherently manage protocols or applications that operate at higher layers. Thus, the emphasis on Layer 2 is essential in understanding the primary functionality of bridge domains in Cisco ACI.