What is the primary function of a switch in a networking context?

The primary function of a switch in a networking context is to connect devices within a local area network (LAN) and forward data to the appropriate devices based on their Media Access Control (MAC) addresses. Switches operate at the data link layer of the OSI model, making decisions about data packet forwarding by examining the MAC addresses contained in each packet.

When a switch receives data, it reads the destination MAC address and uses its MAC address table to determine which port to forward the data to. This capability enables efficient communication between devices on the same network segment, allowing for simultaneous data transmission and reducing collisions, which enhances the overall performance of the network.

The other options refer to functions that are not the primary role of a switch:

• Managing internet connectivity and providing DHCP is typically the function of a router.

• Encrypting data packets is a task associated with secure transmission protocols and not something that switches inherently do.

• Storing data and providing backups are functions associated with storage devices or servers, not switches.

Thus, the option that accurately reflects the core function of a switch is the one focused on connecting devices and forwarding data to the correct destination.