Mastering Network Switches

Which layer of the OSI model do switches operate at?

What is the main purpose of switches in a network?

What do switches use to deliver data at wire speeds?

What advantage do switches have over hubs?

What do switches use to identify the destination node's MAC address?

Which layer of the OSI model do switches operate at?

What is the main purpose of switches in a network?

How do switches deliver data at wire speeds?

What advantage do switches have over hubs?

What do switches use to identify the destination node's MAC address?

Key Features and Advantages of Layer 2 Ethernet Switches

Layer 2 Ethernet switches are similar to bridges but have more ports.
They are used to increase network performance and bandwidth while protecting existing wiring investments.
Layer 2 Ethernet switches provide a unique network segment and separate collision domains.
They transfer frames among networks using MAC addresses.
Layer 2 Ethernet switches operate at the data link layer and generally do not change the data packets.
They are designed to replace hubs and are based on the layer 2 OSI model.
Layer 2 Ethernet switches build tables to keep track of physical addresses according to forwarding tables.
They check incoming network traffic and do not have to examine each data packet individually.
Layer 2 Ethernet switches deliver data at wire speeds and can transport data easily and rapidly.
They identify the destination node's MAC address from the address table and arrange data frames based on MAC addresses.
Layer 2 Ethernet switches feature smaller VLANs, which make switching easier in large LAN networks and help remove bridging loops.
They use STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) to create a single broadcast domain and enable communication within the network.
Layer 2 Ethernet switches are faster than routers and improve security. They are a form of packet switching that offers lower latency.

Test your knowledge on network switches and their features in this quiz. Explore the purpose, features, and benefits of using switches to increase network performance and bandwidth while protecting existing wiring investments. Learn about how switches separate collision domains, transfer frames among networks, and use MAC addresses. Discover the role of switches in the OSI model and their ability to build tables and track physical addresses.