The access switch serves as the physical on-ramp to the enterprise network. Rather than connecting directly to centralized servers or core routers, end-user devices plug into the access switch. Further, the data packets are forwarded to the addressed group of. The Access Network is the layer that's closest to the end user, providing both physical and wireless connections between devices and the telecom network. In spite of the high port count, the access switch usually provides the. Access Layer Switches: Operating at the network's edge, access switches connect end-user devices like PCs, printers, IP phones, and wireless access points.