Break Up Broadcast Domains: Best Devices for Network Optimization

Layer 3 Switch

Prev Question Next Question

Question

Users report that the network is slow.

Upon investigation, the technician notices all users are on one large subnet.

Which of the following devices should be used to break up broadcast domains?

A.

Layer 2 switch B.

Layer 3 switch C.

Signal repeater D.

Bridge E.

Domain server.

B.

Explanations

Users report that the network is slow.

Upon investigation, the technician notices all users are on one large subnet.

Which of the following devices should be used to break up broadcast domains?

A.

Layer 2 switch

B.

Layer 3 switch

C.

Signal repeater

D.

Bridge

E.

Domain server.

B.

The correct answer is B. Layer 3 switch.

When all users are on one large subnet, all devices on that subnet receive every broadcast packet sent by any device on that subnet. This can lead to increased network traffic and slower network performance.

To break up broadcast domains and improve network performance, a device that operates at Layer 3 of the OSI model is needed. A Layer 3 switch can do this by creating multiple smaller subnets, each with its own broadcast domain.

A Layer 2 switch operates at the Data Link layer of the OSI model and is used to connect multiple devices within a single broadcast domain. While a bridge also operates at the Data Link layer, it is used to connect two separate network segments.

A signal repeater is used to amplify and retransmit signals in order to extend the range of a network, but it does not break up broadcast domains.

A domain server, also known as a domain controller, is used in Windows-based networks to authenticate and manage network resources, but it also does not break up broadcast domains.