What type of device is primarily used to manage data flow between different devices in a network?

A switch is primarily used to manage data flow between different devices within a network. Its main function is to receive incoming data packets and determine the most efficient way to forward these packets to their intended destinations within the same network, which is accomplished through the use of MAC addresses.

When a data packet arrives at the switch, it inspects the MAC address of the destination device and uses its internal MAC address table to direct the packet only to the designated device, thereby optimizing network efficiency and reducing unnecessary traffic. This selective forwarding ensures that devices can communicate with one another without interrupting the entire network.

In contrast, while routers also manage data flow, they connect multiple networks together, guiding data between them and typically managing traffic outside the local area network (LAN). Modems facilitate the connection of a network to the internet, translating digital signals to analog and vice versa, while access points provide wireless network access to devices but do not specifically manage data flow between wired devices within a local network.