Which function does a vSwitch serve in VMware?

A vSwitch, or virtual switch, is a crucial component within the VMware virtualization environment. Its primary function is to facilitate communication between virtual machines (VMs) and external networks, which encompasses both the internet and other networked resources. This capability allows VMs to send and receive data packets to and from external physical networks, making it pivotal for any application that requires network connectivity.

By using vSwitches, VMware creates a logical layer of networking that mimics the behavior of a physical switch, enabling improved manageability and flexibility in networking setups. With vSwitches, VMs can communicate not only amongst themselves within the same host but also with other VMs and devices located on different hosts or external networks.

The other options focus on storage and management functions that a vSwitch does not provide. For instance, while it plays a critical role in network traffic management, a vSwitch does not manage storage or provide backup and recovery services for VMs. These functions are typically handled by different components within the VMware infrastructure, such as storage devices and backup software, highlighting the specialized role of the vSwitch in network communications.