Understanding Switches
In this assignment, we were to view Understanding Switches Tutorial by Eli The Computer Guy which focuses on OSI level two devices. In
the tutorial we learned the difference between hubs and switches, as well as the difference between managed and unmanaged switches. Below
are the assignment questions that we had to answer.
Eli the Computer Guy's Understanding Switches
- Define, compare and contrast hubs and switches.
A hub splits Ethernet signals. It goes through every signal/pc connected to the hub. A switch splits Ethernet signals as well but only sends the appropriate data packets to computers through the switch. It can send signals to a variety of more computers. The switches figure out the computer connected through a MAC address. - On which OSI model layer, do switches reside?
Layer 2 - The Data Link Layer - On which OSI model layer do hubs reside?
Layer 1 - the Physical Layer - What information does the first half of the MAC address contain?
The first half ot the MAC address contains the identifier for the manufacturer of equipment - What information does the last half of the MAC address contain?
The last half of the MAC address contains serial number of the device. - What access methodology does Ethernet utilize?
The Ethernet utilizes the Carrier Sense Multiple Access / Collision Detection (CSMA/CD). - Briefly explain the difference between managed and unmanaged switches.
Managed Switches can be hardcoded or automatic for configuration. It allows you go in a switch and manually set configurations. Unmanaged Switches automatically sets configurations. - Compare and contrast full and half duplex.
A full duplex allows for communication between receiver and sender simultaneously. Half duplex only allows the sending and receiving to take place one at a time. - What is a VLAN? Briefly describe its function.
VLAN is a virtual area network that allows a group of workstations on multiple LANs to communicate as if they were on the same network regardless of their geographical location. Higher end switches allow the functionality and implementation of VLAN's - What is QOS? Briefly describe an environment where it would be useful?
Quality of service allows you to prioritize network packets so that real time communication is not interrupted by file transfers. - What is the spanning tree protocol? What problem does it prevent?
Spanning Tree Protocol allows switches to talk to each other and be able to route packets the fastest way possible between multiple switches. It is used to prevent the formation of loop so that there are not repetitive paths in the network.