______ is aware of the addresses assigned to each of its ports and sends the incoming data it receives only to the correct port.

Key Points

• A Switch is aware of the addresses assigned to each of its ports and sends the incoming data it receives only to the correct port.
• Switches operate at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model and sometimes at the network layer (Layer 3).
• They use MAC addresses to determine the destination of the data packets they receive.
• Switches improve the efficiency and security of a network by reducing unnecessary traffic.

Additional Information

• A Hub sends incoming data to all ports, regardless of the destination, which can lead to collisions and inefficiencies.
• A Repeater is used to regenerate signals over long distances but does not filter or direct traffic.
• A Modem modulates and demodulates signals for communication over telephone lines or cable systems, and does not manage network traffic in the same way as a switch.