First, the core functions of the switch

1. Intelligent forwarding of data packets The switch establishes a "MAC address table" by learning the MAC address (hardware identifier) of the device. When one device (such as computer A) wants to communicate with another device (such as printer B), the switch will accurately forward the data packet to the corresponding port according to the MAC address of the target device (instead of broadcasting it to all devices like a hub) to avoid network congestion and data conflict.

2. Multi-device interconnection It supports the simultaneous connection of multiple devices (such as computers, printers, cameras, servers, etc.), and provides multiple network interfaces (usually 8 ports, 16 ports, 24 ports, 48 ports, etc.). All connected devices are in the same local area network (LAN) and can directly communicate with each other.