What are three characteristics of Layer 2 switches? (Choose three.)
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A. B. C. D. E.ABD
Layer 2 switches operate at the Data Link layer of the OSI model, and their primary function is to forward frames between devices within a local area network (LAN). Here are the explanations for the three characteristics of Layer 2 switches:
A. Layer 2 switches forward broadcast traffic: Broadcast traffic is sent by a device to all other devices within a LAN. Layer 2 switches forward broadcast traffic to all devices connected to the switch, except for the device that sent the broadcast traffic. This behavior helps to distribute network traffic efficiently and ensures that devices receive relevant information.
B. Layer 2 switches forward traffic addresses to hosts that reside on the same collision domain: A collision domain is a network segment in which devices compete for the same network bandwidth. In a LAN, all devices connected to the same switch are in the same collision domain. Layer 2 switches forward traffic only to devices within the same collision domain. This behavior helps to prevent network congestion and improves network performance.
D. Layer 2 switches separate collision domains: Each port on a Layer 2 switch creates a separate collision domain. By separating collision domains, Layer 2 switches reduce the likelihood of collisions on the network, which can cause delays and reduce network performance. This separation helps to isolate network problems and limit their impact.
Therefore, options A, B, and D are the correct answers.
Option C, "Layer 2 switches separate multicast domains," is not accurate. Layer 2 switches do not separate multicast domains. Instead, they forward multicast traffic to all devices that have joined the multicast group, regardless of which collision domain they are in. This behavior helps to distribute multicast traffic efficiently and ensures that devices receive relevant information.