Fiber Channel switches are specialized networking devices used to connect servers and storage devices in a storage area network (SAN). They facilitate high-speed data transfer and ensure reliable communication between multiple devices, allowing for efficient data management and storage. These switches operate using the Fiber Channel protocol, which is designed for high-performance data transfer. By providing dedicated pathways for data, they help reduce latency and improve overall system performance, making them essential in environments that require fast and reliable access to large amounts of data.