Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) NetworkingNetworking FundamentalsEasy
A network technician is setting up a small office network. They need to connect several devices, including computers, printers, and a server, to a central device that forwards data only to the intended recipient. Which network component should the technician choose for this purpose?
- ARepeater
- BSwitch
- CHub
- DModem
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Switch
A switch is a network device that operates at Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) of the OSI model and forwards data frames to specific destination devices based on their MAC addresses, making it efficient for local area networks. Hubs broadcast data to all connected devices, repeaters retransmit signals, and modems convert signals for different transmission mediums.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A repeater regenerates and retransmits network signals to extend their range, not to direct traffic.
- C. A hub broadcasts data to all connected devices, leading to unnecessary traffic and collisions.
- D. A modem modulates and demodulates signals for transmission over different media, typically connecting to an ISP.
Network Switch
A network switch is a device that connects devices in a computer network and uses packet switching to receive, process, and forward data to the destination device.
- Operates at Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) of the OSI model.
- Learns MAC addresses and builds a MAC address table.
- Reduces collisions and improves network performance compared to hubs.
Memory trick: Switches Smartly Send Signals to Specific Spots.