Which type of network device has many interfaces for end hosts to connect?

A switch is designed to connect multiple devices within a local area network (LAN). It operates at Layer 2 of the OSI model and uses MAC addresses to forward data to the appropriate destination. Switches have numerous interfaces, allowing many end hosts, such as computers, printers, and IP phones, to connect directly to the network.

This capability makes switches essential in building a LAN, as they provide a means for devices to communicate efficiently with each other by segmenting traffic and reducing collisions. Moreover, unlike repeaters, which simply amplify signals without any intelligence to direct traffic, or routers, which connect different networks and manage traffic between them, switches focus solely on device interconnection within the same network. Access points also serve to connect devices, but they do so wirelessly rather than through wired interfaces. Thus, the switch is the ideal answer when identifying a device with numerous interfaces for connecting end hosts directly.