Which network component is used to connect multiple devices within the same network and operates at the data link layer of the OSI model?

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Question: Which network component is used to connect multiple devices within the same network and operates at the data link layer of the OSI model?

Option 1: Hub
- A hub is a basic multiport repeater that operates at the physical layer (Layer 1). It simply forwards electrical signals to all ports and does not segment collision domains, nor does it operate at the data link layer. This makes it unsuitable for addressing the data link layer functionality or efficient intra-network forwarding.

Option 2: Switch
- A switch is a device that connects multiple devices within the same network and smartly forwards frames based on MAC addresses. It operates primarily at the data link layer (Layer 2) and can also provide Layer 3 features in some models. Its core purpose is to interconnect devices within a local network and manage traffic efficiently by learning MAC addresses and creating separate collision domains per port.

Option 3: Modem
- A modem modulates and demodulates signals to connect a local network to an external network provider, typically over telephone lines or cable. It does not function as a local network switch to interconnect devices within the same LAN, and it does not operate at the data link layer for intra-LAN switching.

Option 4: Repeater
- A repeater regenerates and extends a signal over long distances but works at the physical layer (Layer 1) only. It does not understand frames or MAC addresses and therefore does not manage data link layer responsibilities among multiple devices on a LAN.

Option 5: Router
- A router connects different networks (routing traffic between subnets) and operates primarily at the network layer (Layer 3). It is not used to interconnect devices within the same local network at the data link layer, though it can interconnect multiple networks.

Option 6: Firewall
- A firewall enforces security policies and can operate at various planes, but its primary role is to control traffic between networks, not to interconnect devices within a single LAN at the data link layer. It does not provide the intra-LAN switching functionality.

Summary: Among the options, the device that both connects multiple devices within the same network and operates at the data link layer to forward frames based on MAC addresses is the switch. The other devices either operate at different OSI layers or serve different roles entirely, such as extending signals, connecting to an ISP, or routing between networks.

Which network component is used to connect multiple devices within the same network and operates at the data link layer of the OSI model?

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