A Data Link Layer Networking Device serving as a central Node for at least two other nodes. A switch improved on a Bridge’s capabilities by providing more ports to connect more devices. A switch receives a Payload on one port, uses the destination MAC Address in the frame to locate the recipient’s port, and switches the payload out of the recipient’s port. (layer 2) A switch cannot communicate across Subnets without a Router

MAC Address Table

a table that maps each network device’s MAC Address to a Switch’s physical port Data Link Layer

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Layer 3 Switch

Switch + Router in one