What is the primary role of a network switch?

What is the primary role of a network switch?

• A. To filter and modulate network packets
• B. To connect devices and forward data to correct MAC addresses
• C. To encrypt data being transmitted
• D. To serve as a firewall against unauthorized access

Answer: (B)

The primary role of a network switch is to connect devices within a local area network (LAN) and forward data specifically to the appropriate MAC addresses of those devices. A switch operates at the data link layer of the OSI model, processing incoming data frames and intelligently directing them to their intended destinations based on MAC address information. This capability enhances network efficiency, as switches maintain a MAC address table that maps each connected device's MAC address to its corresponding port. When a data packet arrives, the switch examines the destination MAC address, checks its table, and forwards the packet only to the port where the destination device is connected. This targeted forwarding minimizes unnecessary traffic across the network, improving performance and reducing collisions. While other options mention important functions related to networking, they do not accurately represent the core functionality of a switch. For instance, filtering and modulating packets may be characteristics of different devices like routers or firewalls, while data encryption and firewall duties pertain to security devices rather than the primary functions of a switch.

The primary role of a network switch is to connect devices within a local area network (LAN) and forward data specifically to the appropriate MAC addresses of those devices. A switch operates at the data link layer of the OSI model, processing incoming data frames and intelligently directing them to their intended destinations based on MAC address information.

This capability enhances network efficiency, as switches maintain a MAC address table that maps each connected device's MAC address to its corresponding port. When a data packet arrives, the switch examines the destination MAC address, checks its table, and forwards the packet only to the port where the destination device is connected. This targeted forwarding minimizes unnecessary traffic across the network, improving performance and reducing collisions.

While other options mention important functions related to networking, they do not accurately represent the core functionality of a switch. For instance, filtering and modulating packets may be characteristics of different devices like routers or firewalls, while data encryption and firewall duties pertain to security devices rather than the primary functions of a switch.