A network switch is a
computer networking device that connects
network segments.Low-end network switches appear nearly identical to
network hubs, but a switch contains more "intelligence" (and a slightly higher price tag) than a network hub. Network switches are capable of inspecting data packets as they are received, determining the source and destination device of that packet, and forwarding it appropriately. By delivering each message only to the connected device it was intended for, a network switch conserves network bandwidth and offers generally better performance than a hub.
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