Which of the following describes the main role of a switch in a network?

The main role of a switch in a network is to connect devices and manage data traffic. A switch operates at the data link layer of the OSI model and facilitates communication by receiving incoming data packets and directing them to the appropriate device based on MAC addresses. This efficient management of data traffic ensures that devices within the same local area network (LAN) can communicate effectively, minimizing collisions and optimizing bandwidth usage.

In a well-functioning network, switches help maintain the flow of data by intelligently forwarding packets only to the intended recipient device, rather than broadcasting them to all devices on the network. This selective transmission enhances overall network performance and efficiency. Therefore, the function of a switch is critical for creating a reliable and organized networking environment where devices can interact seamlessly.