A telephone switch is a device that connects calls by routing them through a network. It takes the signals from one telephone and directs them to the appropriate destination, whether it's another phone in the same area or across the globe. This process allows people to communicate effectively over long distances. There are different types of telephone switches, including analog switches and digital switches. Analog switches handle traditional phone lines, while digital switches manage modern communication systems, such as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). Both types are essential for maintaining the infrastructure of telephone networks.