A managed network switch is a networking device that connects multiple devices like computers, printers and storage devices on a single Local Area Network, filtering data and forwarding it to the appropriate destination. It also enables administrators to configure the switch in order to optimize management of network traffic. A managed switch allows you to manage, configure, and monitor the settings of your LAN, including controls over LAN traffic, prioritizing certain channels, and create new virtual LANs to keep smaller groups of devices segregated and to better manage their traffic. Managed switches also offer redundancy features that duplicate and recovery data in the event of a device or network failure.