Which devices are typically used in networking?

Switches are critical devices in networking as they are responsible for connecting multiple devices within a local area network (LAN). By using MAC addresses, switches intelligently forward data only to the device that needs it, which enhances network efficiency. They operate at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model, making decisions based on the MAC addresses to send packets where they need to go without flooding the entire network. This ability to manage data traffic helps reduce collisions and maximizes bandwidth usage.

While other devices like hubs and routers are also used in networking, switches offer more advanced features for handling network traffic. Hubs operate on a more basic level, simply broadcasting data to all connected devices, leading to potential network congestion. Routers connect different networks and manage traffic between them, often functioning at a higher layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model, but are not typically focused on internal data switch management within a single network. TCP, on the other hand, is a protocol used for network communication, not a device.