Switches are generally used in access networks

An access switch is a network edge device that directly connects end-user hardware such as computers, IP phones, wireless access points, cameras, and IoT devices to the broader network. It assists mainly in the switching of incoming and outgoing data packets to the right destination, as specified in MAC. In computer networks, switches are critical devices that manage the flow of data between devices in a local area network (LAN). Note:. Ethernet networks are growing and becoming more complex, with high-capacity WANs now being used in telecommunications, business, and industrial automation. Due to their complexity, these networks require regular maintenance, troubleshooting, and upgrades, which are done in phases. A network switch is a multiport network.