Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of a Layer 2 switch?
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?
What does the MAC address table in a Layer 2 switch do?
Signup and view all the answers
In what scenario does a Layer 2 switch add a new MAC address to its table?
Signup and view all the answers
What distinguishes Layer 3 switches from Layer 2 switches?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following would NOT be a direct benefit of using a switch in a LAN?
Signup and view all the answers
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?
Signup and view all the answers
What occurs when a Layer 2 switch receives a frame with an unknown destination MAC address?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of a Layer 2 switch in managing collision domains?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one of the primary functions of VLANs within a Layer 2 switch environment?
Signup and view all the answers
Why do Layer 2 switches not perform IP routing between networks?
Signup and view all the answers
How does the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) function in Layer 2 switching environments?
Signup and view all the answers
What happens by default to broadcast frames generated in a Layer 2 switch?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following best describes the broadcast domain of a Layer 2 switch?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a crucial characteristic of Layer 2 switches compared to Layer 3 switches?
Signup and view all the answers
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
-
MAC Address-Based Forwarding:
- Forwards frames based on destination MAC address; checks its MAC address table (CAM table) for port associations.
-
MAC Address Table:
- Dynamically maintained table mapping MAC addresses to switch ports, allowing the switch to learn and store active devices.
-
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.
-
No Routing Capabilities:
- Does not route IP packets between different networks; all devices connected must be within the same broadcast domain.
-
Collision Domains:
- Each port is a separate collision domain, reducing collisions by providing dedicated bandwidth to connected devices.
-
Broadcast Domain:
- All ports on a Layer 2 switch are in the same broadcast domain, sending broadcast frames (like ARP requests) to all ports.
-
VLAN Support:
- Supports Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) to segment a physical network into multiple logical networks, enhancing security and performance.
-
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.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
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.
