Mastering Network Switches

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.