What is the primary purpose of a switch in a network?

The primary purpose of a switch in a network is to connect devices within the same network. Switches operate at the data link layer of the OSI model, facilitating communication between various devices such as computers, printers, and servers within a local area network (LAN). By establishing a dedicated connection between devices, switches enable them to communicate more efficiently, allowing for the sending and receiving of data packets without interference from other network traffic.

This direct connection helps to improve network performance and reduces the chances of data collisions. Additionally, switches leverage MAC addresses to intelligently forward data to the correct device, ensuring that data is delivered accurately and efficiently.

Although amplifying signals, monitoring traffic flow, and decoding signals are functions relevant to other networking equipment such as hubs, routers, or network analyzers, these tasks are not the primary functions of a switch. The central role of a switch is distinctly centered on inter-device connectivity within the same network environment.