Layer 2 network switches are crucial components in local area networks (LANs), providing multiple functions for data packet forwarding and network segmentation. One inherent characteristic of switches is their susceptibility to traffic loops, especially in networks with redundant paths. Without proper loop prevention protocols like Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), loops can cause broadcast storms and network instability. Additionally, switches inherently flood broadcast traffic to all ports within the broadcast domain, except the port on which the broadcast was received. This is because broadcast frames are meant to be delivered to all devices within the VLAN, and the switch ensures this by flooding these frames to all ports in the VLAN, except the source port.