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

A switch's primary role in a network is to send data to the required device. It does this by using MAC addresses to determine the destination of incoming data packets. When a packet arrives, the switch checks its MAC address table and forwards the packet specifically to the intended recipient device rather than broadcasting it to all connected devices. This targeted approach reduces network traffic and enhances overall efficiency.

The switch operates at the data link layer of the OSI model, making important decisions about where to direct the data within a local area network. By only sending data to the designated device, switches reduce collisions and help optimize bandwidth usage, leading to faster and more reliable communication.

Other options, such as forwarding all incoming data or connecting multiple routers, do not accurately describe the essential function of a switch. Similarly, while switches might have some capability regarding data storage temporarily, their main role isn't to store data packets. Their primary function centers on directing traffic intelligently within a network.