Network switches play a vital role in data management by connecting devices within a network and efficiently directing data traffic between them. They operate at the data link layer, using MAC addresses to manage data packets and determine the optimal paths for data transmission. Switches minimize collisions by creating dedicated communication channels, which enhances network performance and reliability. By enabling devices to communicate directly rather than broadcasting data to all networked devices, switches improve bandwidth efficiency. Additionally, they support the creation of virtual LANs (VLANs), allowing for better management and segmentation of network resources for security and performance optimization.