Which of the following devices takes data sent from one network device and…
2017
Which of the following devices takes data sent from one network device and forwards it to the destination node based on MAC address ?
- A.
Hub
- B.
Modem
- C.
Switch
- D.
Gateway
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Correct answer: C
Answer: Switch
Explanation: A switch operates at the Data Link layer (Layer 2) and forwards Ethernet frames based on MAC addresses.
Switch: Builds and uses a MAC address table to send frames only to the port where the destination MAC is located, improving efficiency and reducing unnecessary traffic.
Hub: Operates at the physical layer and broadcasts incoming signals to all ports; it does not forward based on MAC addresses.
Modem: Converts between analog and digital signals for transmission over phone or cable lines; it does not perform MAC-based frame forwarding.
Gateway/Router: Typically routes between networks using IP or other network-layer protocols and does not forward frames by MAC address in the same way a Layer 2 switch does.
Key point: MAC addresses are used at Layer 2; switches forward frames based on MAC address tables, while hubs broadcast and routers/gateways route based on IP or higher-layer protocols.