Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) NetworkingNetworking FundamentalsEasy
A network technician is setting up a small office network and needs to connect several devices, including computers and printers, to the network. Which network component is primarily responsible for forwarding data frames between these devices within the same local area network?
- AModem
- BHub
- CRouter
- DSwitch
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Switch
A switch operates at Layer 2 of the OSI model and uses MAC addresses to forward data frames directly to the intended recipient within the same LAN, making it efficient for connecting multiple devices.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A modem converts digital signals to analog for transmission over different media, typically connecting to an ISP.
- B. A hub broadcasts data to all connected devices, which is inefficient and creates collision domains.
- C. A router connects different networks and forwards packets between them, not within the same LAN.
Network Switch
A network device that connects devices within a local area network (LAN) and forwards data frames selectively to the destination port based on MAC addresses.
- Operates at Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) of the OSI model.
- Uses MAC addresses for intelligent forwarding.
- Reduces network congestion by creating separate collision domains for each port.
Memory trick: Switch to connect, not just broadcast.