Which technology helps prevent unauthorized devices from accessing a switch?

Port Security is a network security feature that is implemented on switches to restrict access to a network based on the MAC addresses of devices. This technology allows the network administrator to configure which devices can connect to a specific switch port by associating a particular MAC address with that port. When a device attempts to connect to the port, the switch checks the MAC address against the list of allowed addresses. If the MAC address is not recognized or is unauthorized, the switch can take actions such as blocking the device, sending an alert, or shutting down the port entirely.

This control mechanism is vital for maintaining network integrity and security by preventing unauthorized devices from gaining access to the network infrastructure. It specifically targets user endpoints and helps minimize the risk of rogue devices or potential threats infiltrating the network through physical connections.

In contrast, the other technologies serve different purposes or may not directly address the issue of unauthorized device access in the same focused manner. For example, MAC Filtering can restrict access based on MAC addresses, but it is typically a simpler option without the additional functionalities that Port Security provides, such as limiting the number of MAC addresses per port and taking specific actions when unauthorized devices are detected.