COMNET: MODULE 7

Network Switch

The defining device of Layer 2 is the

Switch

A _____ connects multiple devices together inside a

single Local Area Network (LAN).

switch

Unlike older tech, it is "smart." It actually looks inside the Layer 2 frames.

Switch

It reads the Destination MAC address and forwards the data only to the correct port where that specific device is plugged in.

Content Address Memory

The Switch’s Internal Memory

NIC

is the hardware inside your laptop, phone, or PC

that physically conne cts you to the ne twork. It ope rate s at

both Layer 1 and Laye r 2.

NIC

the actual component that holds your

unique, burned -in MAC address. It is responsible for

wrapping your data into Layer 2 Frames before pushing

them out onto the cable or into the airwaves.

Bridge

is the direct predecessor to the modern network switch.

2, 4

bridge typically only had __ or maybe _ ports. It was used to take a

massive, congested Hub network and slice it in half to reduce collisions.

Wireless access point

are essentially Layer 2 devices! They act as a bridge

between invisible radio waves (wireless Layer 1)

and physical Ethernet cables (wired Layer 1).

Layer 2

is strictly for delivering data within the boundaries of a Local Area Network (LAN).