A network switch is a device that connects multiple devices within a local area network (LAN). It uses packet switching to receive, process, and forward data to the destination device. By efficiently managing data traffic, a network switch helps improve the overall performance and speed of the network. Unlike a hub, which sends data to all connected devices, a network switch intelligently directs data only to the intended recipient. This reduces unnecessary traffic and enhances security. Network switches can vary in size and capacity, accommodating small home networks or large enterprise systems with numerous devices.