Network switch

A network switch connects devices on a local network and forwards frames to the port associated with a destination. Managed models may support VLANs, spanning tree, aggregation, QoS, PoE, authentication and monitoring, but functions depend on model, licence and configuration. Advertised capacity does not guarantee performance in every workload; ports, uplinks, tables, buffers, power and traffic patterns matter. Design should consider loop-free redundancy, PoE budget, protected management, supported firmware and port documentation. A saved configuration does not prove that a recoverable copy or compatible replacement exists. Validation includes representative traffic, link and power failure and management access. Green lights show physical link, not the correct VLAN, route or application outcome.