Ethernet Switch in OSI Model | Generated by AI
The question asks at which layer of the OSI model an Ethernet switch operates.
Correct Answer: B (Data Link Layer)
Explanation:
An Ethernet switch is a multi-port network bridge that operates at Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) of the OSI seven-layer reference model.
Why Data Link Layer?
Key characteristics of Ethernet switches:
- MAC Address Processing: Switches make forwarding decisions based on MAC addresses (physical addresses), which are defined at Layer 2
- Frame Forwarding: They forward Ethernet frames from one port to another based on the destination MAC address in the frame
- Learning and Filtering: Switches learn MAC addresses from incoming frames and build MAC address tables to determine where to forward frames
- No IP Address Involvement: Unlike routers (Layer 3 devices), switches don’t examine IP addresses
Why Not Other Layers?
- Physical Layer (A): Hubs operate at this layer, not switches
- Network Layer (C): Routers operate at this layer, making decisions based on IP addresses
- Transport Layer (D): This layer handles end-to-end communication and protocols like TCP/UDP
Additional Note:
Ethernet switches are also called Layer 2 switches or Layer 2 devices because they operate specifically at the Data Link Layer, making them more intelligent than hubs but less capable than routers in terms of network-layer routing.
Congratulations! Your answer was correct! ✓