Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) NetworkingNetworking FundamentalsEasy
A network technician is setting up a new small office network. They need to connect several devices to the network, including computers, printers, and a server, all within a single local area network segment. Which of the following network components is primarily used for this purpose?
- AFirewall
- BModem
- CRouter
- DSwitch
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Switch
A switch is a network device that connects devices in a local area network (LAN), allowing them to communicate with each other. It operates at Layer 2 of the OSI model, forwarding data frames to specific destination devices.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A firewall provides security by filtering network traffic based on predefined rules, protecting internal networks.
- B. A modem converts digital signals from a computer into analog signals for transmission over a communication line, or vice-versa, connecting a network to an ISP.
- C. A router connects different networks and forwards data packets between them, typically between a LAN and a WAN.
Network Switch
A network switch is a device that connects multiple devices on a computer network and forwards data frames to the intended recipient device.
- Operates at Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) of the OSI model.
- Learns MAC addresses of connected devices.
- Forwards frames to specific ports, reducing unnecessary traffic.
Memory trick: Switches Serve Small Sections Smoothly.