What characterizes 'store-and-forward switching'?

Store-and-forward switching is characterized by the switch's ability to receive an entire data frame before it makes any decisions about forwarding it. Once the switch receives the complete frame, it performs an error check on the entire frame using techniques such as Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC). This error-checking process ensures that only error-free frames are forwarded to their intended destinations.

The core aspect of store-and-forward switching is the frame buffering, which allows the switch to temporarily store the incoming frame until it verifies its integrity. This characteristic helps in minimizing the propagation of errors across the network, as any corrupted frames can be discarded before further handling. By ensuring that only valid frames are transmitted, the switch enhances the overall reliability of the network traffic.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the characteristics of store-and-forward switching. For instance, forwarding frames immediately without verifying them, not storing frames, or limiting forwarding to specific times does not align with the fundamental principles of how store-and-forward mechanisms function.