What is the SPAN technique used for in networking?

The SPAN (Switched Port Analyzer) technique is primarily utilized in networking to copy network traffic for monitoring and analysis. This capability allows network administrators to create a mirror of the traffic that passes through one or more switch ports or an entire VLAN. By doing this, they can analyze the mirrored traffic for various purposes, such as troubleshooting network issues, monitoring performance, and ensuring security compliance.

Using SPAN, network traffic can be directed to a specific port where monitoring devices or software can capture and analyze that data without interfering with the actual data flow on the network. This is crucial for identifying bottlenecks, detecting anomalies, and performing traffic analysis, which ultimately helps in maintaining the overall health and security of the network.

Other options present different aspects of networking but do not capture the primary purpose of SPAN. For instance, while simplifying network configurations and improving data transfer speeds are common challenges in networking, they are not the specific focus of the SPAN technique. Additionally, securing devices against unauthorized access involves implementing security protocols and measures rather than monitoring traffic flow. Therefore, copying network traffic for monitoring and analysis distinctly aligns with the SPAN function in networking.