Switches

Switches are devices used in computer networks to connect multiple devices, such as computers and printers, allowing them to communicate efficiently. Think of a switch as a traffic dispatcher that directs data packets only to the specific device they’re intended for, rather than broadcasting to all devices. This targeted communication improves network performance, speed, and security. Switches operate at the data link layer of the network, managing data flow within a local area network (LAN) and ensuring devices can share resources and transfer information smoothly.