< b="" />Switch is the correct answer.

A switch is a networking device that operates at the data link layer of the OSI model. It is designed to connect multiple devices within a local area network (LAN) and facilitate the exchange of data between them. One of the primary functions of a switch is to forward data packets from one network device to the destination node based on MAC (Media Access Control) addresses.

< b="" />MAC Address:
Every network device, such as computers, printers, and servers, has a unique MAC address assigned to its network interface card (NIC). A MAC address is a 48-bit identifier that consists of six pairs of hexadecimal numbers. It serves as a unique identifier for a device within a network.

< b="" />Switch Operation:
When a network device wants to send data to another device within the same network, it encapsulates the data into packets that include the source and destination MAC addresses. The source MAC address is the address of the device sending the data, and the destination MAC address is the address of the device to which the data is intended.

When a switch receives a packet, it examines the destination MAC address in the packet's header. It then looks up its internal MAC address table to identify the port to which the destination device is connected. The switch maintains this table by learning and associating MAC addresses with the corresponding switch ports as devices communicate on the network.

< b="" />Forwarding Data:
Once the switch determines the appropriate port for the destination MAC address, it forwards the packet to that port only. This process is known as unicast forwarding. Unlike a hub, which broadcasts packets to all connected devices, a switch selectively forwards packets only to the intended recipient.

By forwarding data based on MAC addresses, a switch enables efficient and secure communication within a LAN. It eliminates unnecessary network traffic and ensures that data reaches the intended destination without being received by devices that don't need it.

In summary, a switch takes data sent from one network device and forwards it to the destination node based on MAC addresses. It operates at the data link layer and uses its internal MAC address table to determine the appropriate port for forwarding the data.