Basic Q & A ( switching )
1. What is multilayer switching (MLS)?
** MLS forwards traffic using information from Layer 2, Layer 3, and Layer 4all in hardware at wire speed.
2.What is a collision domain, and where does it exist in a switched LAN?
** A collision domain is a network segment where shared media access is supported. Devices on the shared media must compete for access when transmitting data. In a switched network, the collision domain is restricted to a single switch port and does not extend across the switch.
3. What is a broadcast domain, and where does it exist in a switched LAN?
** A broadcast domain is the extent of a network where broadcast frames propagate. Basically, a broadcast domain covers an area where Layer 2 devices are located and terminates at the boundary of a Layer 3 device. In a switched network, the broadcast domain extends to all switch ports assigned to a common VLAN. This is because a switch forwards broadcasts out all available ports in a VLAN.
4. What is a VLAN, and why is it used?
** A virtual LAN (VLAN) is a group of switch ports that communicate as if they were attached to a single shared-media LAN segment. VLANs can extend across buildings or backbones, as long as the VLAN is connected end to end through trunking or physical connections. A VLAN is a broadcast domain. VLANs segment networks for ease of management and better performance.
5. At what OSI layers do devices in the distribution layer usually operate?
** Layers 2, 3, and 4
6. What is network segmentation? When is it necessary, and how is it done in a campus network design?
** Segmentation is the process of dividing a LAN into smaller, discrete collision domains. If a large percentage of collisions is observed on a LAN, segmentation is appropriate. In a campus network design, segmentation occurs at each switch port. A similar form of segmentation involves reducing the size of broadcast domains. Placing Layer 3 devices in the distribution and core layers terminates the broadcast domains at those layer boundaries.
** MLS forwards traffic using information from Layer 2, Layer 3, and Layer 4all in hardware at wire speed.
2.What is a collision domain, and where does it exist in a switched LAN?
** A collision domain is a network segment where shared media access is supported. Devices on the shared media must compete for access when transmitting data. In a switched network, the collision domain is restricted to a single switch port and does not extend across the switch.
3. What is a broadcast domain, and where does it exist in a switched LAN?
** A broadcast domain is the extent of a network where broadcast frames propagate. Basically, a broadcast domain covers an area where Layer 2 devices are located and terminates at the boundary of a Layer 3 device. In a switched network, the broadcast domain extends to all switch ports assigned to a common VLAN. This is because a switch forwards broadcasts out all available ports in a VLAN.
4. What is a VLAN, and why is it used?
** A virtual LAN (VLAN) is a group of switch ports that communicate as if they were attached to a single shared-media LAN segment. VLANs can extend across buildings or backbones, as long as the VLAN is connected end to end through trunking or physical connections. A VLAN is a broadcast domain. VLANs segment networks for ease of management and better performance.
5. At what OSI layers do devices in the distribution layer usually operate?
** Layers 2, 3, and 4
6. What is network segmentation? When is it necessary, and how is it done in a campus network design?
** Segmentation is the process of dividing a LAN into smaller, discrete collision domains. If a large percentage of collisions is observed on a LAN, segmentation is appropriate. In a campus network design, segmentation occurs at each switch port. A similar form of segmentation involves reducing the size of broadcast domains. Placing Layer 3 devices in the distribution and core layers terminates the broadcast domains at those layer boundaries.
Labels: Collision Domain, Switching
posted by Arivu at
12:08 pm
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