What is the function of an access switch?

The function of an access switch is primarily to connect end devices, such as computers, printers, and other endpoints, to the network. Access switches are typically found at the edge of the network and serve as the entry point for these devices to communicate within a larger network infrastructure. They facilitate the local connectivity necessary for devices to send and receive data, enabling users to access resources and services.

By providing this foundational connectivity, access switches play a vital role in expanding the reach of the network to all connected devices. They manage traffic efficiently within the local segment of the network and support essential features like VLAN configurations to segment traffic and enhance performance.

In contrast, routing data between different networks is a function typically associated with core or distribution switches, which direct traffic between different LANs or to the internet. Managing network security policies often falls on specialized devices such as firewalls or security appliances, rather than access switches. Lastly, providing wireless access to devices is the function of wireless access points, which enable connectivity for mobile devices and laptops, rather than the wired connections handled by access switches.