A Layer 2 switch forwards frames within a VLAN and makes forwarding decisions based on MAC addresses. It learns source MAC addresses from ingress frames, records the associated port in the MAC address table, and forwards known destination frames out the matching port. If the destination is unknown, it floods within the VLAN. A Layer 2 switch does not select the best WAN route between networks; that is a router or Layer 3 switch function. It also does not normally move packets between different VLANs unless Layer 3 routing is involved. The existing answer that included a central point for association and authentication servers is not a Layer 2 switch function; that wording better resembles wireless or authentication infrastructure. Cisco CCNA 200-301 v1.1 Network Access expects a clean separation of switching and routing duties. The two valid Layer 2 switch functions are moving frames within a VLAN and forwarding based on MAC address.
Contribute your Thoughts:
Chosen Answer:
This is a voting comment (?). You can switch to a simple comment. It is better to Upvote an existing comment if you don't have anything to add.
Submit