The computer hardware device Switch is an example of:

Correct option is C

A network switch is a hardware device that connects multiple computers or devices within a Local Area Network (LAN). It operates mainly at OSI Layer 2 (Data Link) using MAC addresses to forward frames only to the correct port, reducing collisions and improving throughput. Many modern switches also have Layer 3 capabilities (routing between VLANs/subnets). Switches enable efficient, full-duplex communication and form the core of most wired campus/office networks. They differ from hubs (which broadcast to all ports) by learning a MAC address table and switching intelligently. Thus, a switch is unequivocally a networking device.
Important Key Points
1. Primary function: Forwards Ethernet frames based on MAC address learning.
2. Performance: Full-duplex links, micro-segmentation, and reduced collision domains.
3. Features: VLANs, QoS, link aggregation (LACP), PoE, port security and sometimes L3 routing.
4. Use cases: Building LANs in schools, offices, data centers; connecting PCs, printers, APs, servers.
5. Advantages: Better bandwidth utilization than hubs; scalable and manageable via SNMP/CLI/Web UI.
6. Disadvantages: Adds cost/complexity; misconfiguration (e.g., loops) can cause broadcast storms—mitigated by STP/RSTP.
Knowledge Booster
· Why not (a) Input device? Keyboards/mice/scanners provide input to a PC; switches don’t feed user data directly—they transport network frames.
· Why not (b) Storage device? Storage includes HDD/SSD/flash; a switch doesn’t store user files (beyond small buffering).
· Why not (d) Output device? Monitors/printers/speakers present output to users; a switch isn’t a presentation device.
· A router directs traffic between networks (Layer 3), while a switch interconnects devices within the same network (Layer 2)—though many enterprise switches can do both.