A network technician is troubleshooting a connectivity issue where workstations on Subnet A (192.168.10.0/24) cannot communicate with workstations on Subnet B (192.168.20.0/24). Both subnets are physically connected to ports on the same network device. The technician observes that the device forwards traffic strictly using MAC address tables and does not perform logical IP packet routing. Which network hardware device is currently installed, and what device should be used to enable communication between the subnets?
- A Layer 2 switch is currently installed; a router is required to route traffic between the IP subnets.Answer
- BA DHCP server is currently installed; a DNS server is required to translate MAC addresses between subnets.
- CAn access point operating on 2.4 GHz is currently installed; a Wi-Fi repeater using non-overlapping channels is required.
- DA patch panel configured with an APIPA address is currently installed; a media converter is required.
Answer
A Layer 2 switch is currently installed; a router is required to route traffic between the IP subnets.
A Layer 2 switch makes forwarding decisions based solely on MAC addresses within a single network segment or VLAN. When multiple subnets exist on separate logical networks, traffic between them must pass through a Layer 3 device, such as a router, which reads destination IP addresses and forwards packets between distinct subnets.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Layer 2 Switching vs. Layer 3 Routing