A gigabit switch allows devices to connect to a LAN at speeds of up to 1 Gbps. It's a hardwired device often equipped with multiple Ethernet ports designed to provide power over copper cables to any number of network devices such as access points, desktops, laptops, surveillance cameras, printers, NASs, and servers.

Gigabit switches typically feature a larger number of ports than a router and more enhanced security through segmentation and firewalls. They can also offer PoE (Power-over-Ethernet), which powers a network device in addition to passing data through it.