Each device is connected to the switch using an Ethernet cable. The switch handles data transmission, directing it to the appropriate device based on its MAC address. An access layer of a hierarchy network features multiple subnets to which the access switches are. An access switch is a network edge device that directly connects end-user hardware such as computers, IP phones, wireless access points, cameras, and IoT devices to the broader network. Switches have many ports, and when data arrives at any port, the. Connecting a network switch involves physically connecting devices using Ethernet cables and configuring them as needed, ultimately expanding your network connectivity and improving network performance.