What feature enables devices in the same network segment to communicate with each other using IP addresses?

The feature that enables devices in the same network segment to communicate with each other using IP addresses is address resolution. This process specifically refers to the method of mapping network layer addresses (IP addresses) to link layer addresses (such as MAC addresses), allowing devices to identify each other within the same network.

When a device wants to communicate with another device on the same local network, it needs to know the MAC address corresponding to the IP address it wants to contact. This is where the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) comes into play. ARP sends out a request on the network, effectively asking, “Who has this IP address? Please send me your MAC address.” The device with the matching IP address then replies, providing its MAC address, thereby allowing the original device to establish a direct communication link.

The other options relate to different networking concepts: routing is concerned with directing packets between different networks; switching refers to the process of forwarding data within the same network segment but does not specifically involve the IP to MAC address mapping process; and segmentation refers to dividing a network into smaller parts for performance or security reasons without directly addressing the communication methods among devices.