Question

Difficulty: EasyOSI Model Layers and Functions

During a routine network inspection, a technician inspects a switch's forwarding table to verify local host connectivity within a single broadcast domain. At which layer of the OSI reference model do MAC addresses and frames primarily operate?

  1. Data Link layerAnswer
  2. B
    Network layer
  3. C
    Transport layer
  4. D
    Physical layer

Answer

Data Link layer
The Data Link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI reference model provides node-to-node data transfer across a shared physical medium. It encapsulates Network layer packets into frames and relies on MAC addresses for local delivery.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the addressing scheme and Protocol Data Unit (PDU) specified in the scenario.
The scenario highlights MAC addresses and frames inspected on a network switch.
MAC addresses serve as physical interface identifiers, and frames are the corresponding data encapsulation unit.
2
Map MAC addresses and frames to the OSI reference model layer.
MAC addressing and frame creation occur at Layer 2 (Data Link layer).
Layer 2 governs intra-segment communication and hardware-level node identification.

Key Concept

OSI Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) Functions and Addressing
Estimated Time:45s
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