Network switches are hardware devices used to connect devices within a local area network (LAN). They receive incoming data packets and forward them to their intended destination within the network.
Switches are designed to operate at the data link layer (layer 2) of the OSI model and use MAC addresses to make forwarding decisions. They can support a range of Ethernet standards such as 10/100/1000Mbps and can have anywhere from a few to hundreds of ports.
Network switches can be managed or unmanaged. Managed switches offer more control and functionality, such as VLAN support and Quality of Service (QoS) settings, while unmanaged switches are simpler and more cost-effective.
When choosing a network switch, it's important to consider factors such as the number of ports needed, the required data transfer rate, and the level of management and control needed for the network.
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