Definition: LAN switch

A network device that cross-connects clients, servers and network devices. Also known as a "frame switch," stand-alone LAN switches are common in Ethernet networks. A switch with four or more ports is also built into a wired or wireless router for homes and small business (see wireless router).

LAN switches were also available for Token Ring and FDDI networks, both of which gave way to Ethernet. ATM switches however, are a type of LAN switch in a category by itself (see ATM). See Ethernet switch, Token Ring and FDDI.