How do switches utilize the MAC address table?

Switches utilize the MAC address table to properly forward frames by keeping track of the MAC addresses of devices connected to their ports. When a switch receives a frame, it examines the destination MAC address and consults its MAC address table to determine which port the specific device is connected to. If the destination MAC address is found in the MAC address table, the switch forwards the frame only to the appropriate port, ensuring that the frame reaches the intended recipient. This process improves network efficiency by reducing unnecessary traffic since frames are sent only to the intended devices rather than being broadcasted to all ports.

The other options do not accurately describe the primary function of the MAC address table in switching. For example, while switches can help manage traffic effectively, they do not discard traffic based solely on MAC addresses. Instead, they manage forwarding. Additionally, switches do not map IP addresses to network devices; that functionality is typically associated with routers. Lastly, switches do not encrypt communications; encryption is a separate function that involves securing data rather than forwarding it based on MAC address information.