Which of the following statements about switches is true?

Switches are networking devices that facilitate communication within a local area network (LAN) by connecting multiple devices, such as computers, printers, and servers. Their primary function is to receive incoming data packets from one device and forward them to the appropriate destination device within the network. This capability allows multiple devices to communicate efficiently, as switches operate at the data link layer of the OSI model and use MAC addresses to determine where to send data.

The other statements do not accurately describe the function or characteristics of switches. For instance, switches do not typically incur a monthly subscription, as they are hardware devices that operate independently of such payment models. They are also distinct from wireless access points, as switches primarily deal with wired connections, not wireless networking. Lastly, switches cannot replace modems, which serve to connect a network to the internet by converting digital data from a computer into the analog signal needed for transmission over telephone lines or cable systems. Therefore, the focus on the true function of switches makes the correct statement clear.