In a network switch, what does the CAM table primarily address?

The CAM (Content Addressable Memory) table in a network switch is primarily used for MAC address storage. This table plays a crucial role in the operation of switches by mapping each MAC address to the corresponding port on the switch. When a frame arrives at the switch, it checks the source MAC address and updates the CAM table if the address is not already stored. This allows the switch to make intelligent decisions about where to forward frames based on the destination MAC address, significantly enhancing the efficiency and speed of data transmission in the network.

By using the CAM table, switches can minimize unnecessary traffic, as they only send frames to the specific port associated with the destination MAC rather than broadcasting to all ports. This selective forwarding mechanism is fundamental in reducing collisions and improving overall network performance.

While aspects like routing protocols, data encryption, and traffic optimization are essential in networking, they do not directly pertain to the specific functionality of the CAM table, which is solely focused on the storage and management of MAC addresses linked to switch ports.