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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of a Layer 2 switch?
What is the primary function of a Layer 2 switch?
At which layer of the OSI model does a Layer 2 switch primarily operate?
At which layer of the OSI model does a Layer 2 switch primarily operate?
How does a Layer 2 switch determine the appropriate port to forward a data frame?
How does a Layer 2 switch determine the appropriate port to forward a data frame?
What does the MAC address table in a Layer 2 switch do?
What does the MAC address table in a Layer 2 switch do?
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In what scenario does a Layer 2 switch add a new MAC address to its table?
In what scenario does a Layer 2 switch add a new MAC address to its table?
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What distinguishes Layer 3 switches from Layer 2 switches?
What distinguishes Layer 3 switches from Layer 2 switches?
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Which of the following would NOT be a direct benefit of using a switch in a LAN?
Which of the following would NOT be a direct benefit of using a switch in a LAN?
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Which layer of the OSI model is responsible for end-to-end communication and error recovery, distinct from the functions of a Layer 2 switch?
Which layer of the OSI model is responsible for end-to-end communication and error recovery, distinct from the functions of a Layer 2 switch?
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What occurs when a Layer 2 switch receives a frame with an unknown destination MAC address?
What occurs when a Layer 2 switch receives a frame with an unknown destination MAC address?
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Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of a Layer 2 switch in managing collision domains?
Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of a Layer 2 switch in managing collision domains?
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What is one of the primary functions of VLANs within a Layer 2 switch environment?
What is one of the primary functions of VLANs within a Layer 2 switch environment?
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Why do Layer 2 switches not perform IP routing between networks?
Why do Layer 2 switches not perform IP routing between networks?
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How does the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) function in Layer 2 switching environments?
How does the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) function in Layer 2 switching environments?
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What happens by default to broadcast frames generated in a Layer 2 switch?
What happens by default to broadcast frames generated in a Layer 2 switch?
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Which of the following best describes the broadcast domain of a Layer 2 switch?
Which of the following best describes the broadcast domain of a Layer 2 switch?
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What is a crucial characteristic of Layer 2 switches compared to Layer 3 switches?
What is a crucial characteristic of Layer 2 switches compared to Layer 3 switches?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Switching
- Discussion of switch operation, Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching, and basic switch configuration.
- Lead-in to VLAN concepts, highlighting the shift from general switching to more specific network segmentation techniques.
What is a Switch?
- A networking device that connects multiple devices (computers, printers, servers) within a local area network (LAN).
- Primarily functions at the Data Link Layer (Layer 2) but some models can operate at the Network Layer (Layer 3) for routing.
OSI Model
- A conceptual framework consisting of seven distinct layers used to understand and implement network protocols.
- Each layer has a specific function and interacts with adjacent layers, ensuring interoperability among different network devices.
Layer 2 Switch
- Operates at the Data Link Layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model, primarily forwarding data frames within the local network based on MAC addresses.
Key Characteristics of Layer 2 Switches
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MAC Address-Based Forwarding:
- Forwards frames based on destination MAC address; checks its MAC address table (CAM table) for port associations.
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MAC Address Table:
- Dynamically maintained table mapping MAC addresses to switch ports, allowing the switch to learn and store active devices.
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Frame Filtering and Forwarding:
- Unicast: forwards frames only to the port associated with known destination MAC addresses.
- Unknown MAC addresses lead to flooding frames to all ports except the source.
- Broadcast/multicast frames sent to all ports except the source port.
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No Routing Capabilities:
- Does not route IP packets between different networks; all devices connected must be within the same broadcast domain.
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Collision Domains:
- Each port is a separate collision domain, reducing collisions by providing dedicated bandwidth to connected devices.
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Broadcast Domain:
- All ports on a Layer 2 switch are in the same broadcast domain, sending broadcast frames (like ARP requests) to all ports.
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VLAN Support:
- Supports Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) to segment a physical network into multiple logical networks, enhancing security and performance.
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Spanning Tree Protocol (STP):
- Prevents network loops in redundant path environments by ensuring only one active path exists between devices while blocking others.
Summary of Layer 2 Switch Functionality
- Fundamental device for managing data traffic within a LAN, relying on MAC addresses for forwarding.
- Provides connectivity, minimizes collisions, supports VLANs, but lacks routing capabilities found in Layer 3 switches or routers.
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Description
This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of switching and the basic configuration techniques for switches. It covers the operations of switches, including layer 2 and layer 3 switching, and introduces configurations that lead into VLAN discussions. Perfect for students looking to solidify their understanding of networking fundamentals.
