In the standard Internet architecture classification, which of the following…
2019
In the standard Internet architecture classification, which of the following is not an end system at the network edge?
Answer: D. Switch — ConceptIn Internet architecture, the network edge consists of end systems, also called hosts, that run application programs. End systems include user devices…
- A.
PC
- B.
Smartphones
- C.
Servers
- D.
Switch
- E.
None of these
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Correct answer: D
Concept
In Internet architecture, the network edge consists of end systems, also called hosts, that run application programs. End systems include user devices as well as servers.
Packet-forwarding devices whose main role is to move traffic between links are network infrastructure, not end systems.
Application
A PC and a smartphone are user end systems. A server is also an end system because it hosts network applications and communicates with clients. A switch forwards frames between connected nodes instead of acting as an application host.
Contrast
PC — an end system used to run user applications.
Smartphone — a mobile end system that accesses network services.
Server — an end system that provides application services to clients.
Switch — an infrastructure device that forwards frames within a network.
None of these — would require every listed device to be an edge device.
Therefore, the device that is not a network edge device is Switch.