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What is a switch?
A networking device that connects multiple devices within a local area network and forwards data between them.
At which layer of the OSI model does a Layer 2 switch operate?
Data Link Layer (Layer 2)
The OSI model has ___ layers.
seven
Layer 2 switches perform IP routing.
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What does MAC stand for?
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What is the primary function of a Layer 2 switch?
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What is a MAC address table?
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All ports on a Layer 2 switch belong to the same broadcast domain by default.
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What is the purpose of VLANs?
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What does STP stand for in networking?
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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 covers fundamental concepts of switching and the basic configuration of networking switches. It includes discussions on layer 2 and layer 3 switching, along with the essential operations of a switch. Understanding these principles is crucial for advancing into more complex topics like VLANs.
