Q: Which switching technology reduces the size of a broadcast domain?
A) STP
B) VLANs
C) 802.1Q
D) ISL
Correct Answer is B) VLANs.
Which switching technology reduces the size of a broadcast domain?
Explanation:
In computer networking, a broadcast domain is a logical division of a network where any device can directly communicate with other devices without a router’s involvement. A broadcast domain is created when devices are connected to the same switch or hub. The larger the broadcast domain, the more network traffic will be generated, leading to network congestion and performance issues. To reduce the size of a broadcast domain, switching technology is used. In this article, we will discuss the switching technology that reduces the size of a broadcast domain.
Switching Technology:
Switching technology refers to the method of forwarding network traffic from one network device to another. There are three types of switching technology, including:
- Cut-Through Switching
- Store-and-Forward Switching
- Fragment-Free Switching
Cut-Through Switching:
Cut-Through switching is the fastest switching method in which the switch forwards data packets as soon as they arrive. The switch only examines the destination MAC address in the data packet header before forwarding it. Cut-Through switching method reduces the latency and delay but does not check for packet errors. In Cut-Through switching, the size of the broadcast domain is not reduced as the switch forwards all packets to all connected devices.
Store-and-Forward Switching:
Store-and-Forward switching method is slower than Cut-Through switching as it checks the entire data packet for errors before forwarding it to the destination. The switch stores the entire data packet in its buffer before forwarding it to the next device. Store-and-Forward switching method reduces the size of the broadcast domain by forwarding only the valid data packets to the destination.
Fragment-Free Switching:
Fragment-Free switching is a combination of Cut-Through and Store-and-Forward switching. In Fragment-Free switching, the switch forwards only the first 64 bytes of the data packet after checking for errors. This switching method is faster than Store-and-Forward switching and provides better error checking than Cut-Through switching. Fragment-Free switching method reduces the size of the broadcast domain by forwarding only the first 64 bytes of the data packet.
Reducing Broadcast Domain:
The size of the broadcast domain can be reduced by using VLANs (Virtual Local Area Network) and Routers.
VLANs:
A VLAN is a logical division of a network that groups devices together based on their functionality, department, or application. VLANs allow administrators to segment the network into smaller logical networks, which reduces the size of the broadcast domain. VLANs are created using software, which enables network administrators to manage and control the network more effectively.
Routers:
A router is a networking device that connects different networks together. Routers reduce the size of the broadcast domain by forwarding packets between different networks. Routers examine the destination IP address in the packet header and forward the packet to the correct network. Routers create a boundary between two or more networks, which reduces the size of the broadcast domain.
Conclusion:
The switching technology that reduces the size of a broadcast domain includes Store-and-Forward and Fragment-Free switching methods. Cut-Through switching method does not reduce the size of the broadcast domain as it forwards all packets to all connected devices. VLANs and Routers are used to reduce the size of the broadcast domain by creating logical networks and forwarding packets between different networks. By reducing the size of the broadcast domain, network administrators can manage and control the network more effectively, reducing network congestion and improving network performance.