Final answer:
The component of a switch that reduces packet handling time is the switching fabric, which is the internal network that interconnects all the ports within the switch, allowing for efficient and simultaneous data packet processing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The component in a switch that reduces the amount of packet handling time inside the switch is the switching fabric. The switching fabric is essentially the internal network within the switch that interconnects all of its ports. It is designed to allow multiple communications to occur simultaneously, increasing the efficiency and speed at which data packets are handled.
The other options given, such as a router, hub, or bridge, serve different purposes in a network. A router is used to route packets between different networks, a hub simply broadcasts packets to all ports, and a bridge is used to divide a network into segments or to connect two separate networks.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is c) Switching fabric, since it is the part of the switch that directly contributes to the reduction of packet handling time by managing data flow within the switch efficiently.