Cisco CCNA - Switches and Bridges Overview

Layer 2 Switches and Bridges

Layer 2 Lan switches and bridges operate at Layer 2 of the Open System Interconnection (OSI) reference model, while hubs operate at Layer 1. Operating at Layer 2 offers more intelligence for making forwarding decisions. Lan switches and bridges are more intelligent than hubs because they can actually listen in on the traffic going through to examine the source and destination MAC addresses, and they can build a MAC address table that enables them to make intelligent forwarding decisions at Layer 2.

Ethernet Switches and Bridges Features

Ethernet switches and bridges increase the available bandwith by reducing the number of devices contending for the segment bandwith. Ethernet switches and bridges also make intelligent frame-forwarding decisions by examining the source and destination MAC address of incoming frames.

Ethernet switches and bridges operate at Layer 2 of the Open System interconnection (OSI) reference model. Because of their high-speed internal architecture and high number of ports, Ethernet switches offer much high throughput than a traditional bridge.

There are several training options for CCNA certification. There are self-study CCNA Study Guides which allows you to review the material whenever you like. If you need an engaging CCNA CBT courses, you can purchase a computer based training course. There are also CCNA boot camp courses that you attend to for 1 week and it is instructor-led. If you have any questions, please call 1-866-718-7246.