At which layer do switches operate within the OSI model?

At which layer do switches operate within the OSI model?

• A. Layer 2
• B. Layer 1
• C. Layer 3
• D. Layer 4

Answer: (A)

Switches primarily operate at Layer 2 of the OSI model, which is known as the Data Link layer. This layer is responsible for node-to-node data transfer and for handling error correction from the physical layer. Switches use MAC addresses to forward data frames between devices within the same local area network (LAN). By analyzing the destination MAC address in a frame, a switch decides which port to forward the frame to, facilitating efficient communication between devices. Layer 1, the Physical layer, is concerned with the actual hardware and transmissions of the bits over media such as cables, while Layer 3, the Network layer, involves routing and forwarding packets based on IP addresses. Layer 4, the Transport layer, deals with end-to-end communication and error recovery between two hosts. Therefore, switch functionalities, which include the operation based on MAC addresses and frame switching, clearly align with the responsibilities designated to Layer 2.

Switches primarily operate at Layer 2 of the OSI model, which is known as the Data Link layer. This layer is responsible for node-to-node data transfer and for handling error correction from the physical layer. Switches use MAC addresses to forward data frames between devices within the same local area network (LAN). By analyzing the destination MAC address in a frame, a switch decides which port to forward the frame to, facilitating efficient communication between devices.

Layer 1, the Physical layer, is concerned with the actual hardware and transmissions of the bits over media such as cables, while Layer 3, the Network layer, involves routing and forwarding packets based on IP addresses. Layer 4, the Transport layer, deals with end-to-end communication and error recovery between two hosts. Therefore, switch functionalities, which include the operation based on MAC addresses and frame switching, clearly align with the responsibilities designated to Layer 2.