(Context: General)
1) noun, a circuit switching hub. Network device that filters, forwards, and floods frames based on the destination address of each frame. The switch operates at the data link layer of the OSI model. A fabric switch may have significant management and security functionality in addition to switching protocol choices. (modified Cisco definition).
2) verb, A communications paradigm in which a dedicated communication path is established between the sender and receiver along which all packets travel. The telephone system is an example of a circuit switched network. Also called connection-oriented.