What is a Switch: Understanding its Function in Networking

A switch is a device that receives and forwards data based on the MAC destination address. It operates at Layer 2 of the OSI model and is responsible for connecting devices on a local network. Switches learn the MAC addresses of connected devices and use this information to forward data efficiently, ensuring it reaches the intended recipient. This approach allows for faster and more efficient data transmission compared to hubs, which simply broadcast data to all connected devices.