Topic 3 Network Hardware Part 2 Switches_1

Question 1

What are the 3 layers of a hierarchical switched network design?

Answer 1

(Top)
Core
Distribution
Access
(Bottom)

Question 2

State the benefits of the hierarchical network model.

Answer 2

1. Scalability - Expanded easily
2. Redundancy - At the core and distribution level ensure path availability
3. Performance - Link aggregation between levels and high-performance core and distribution level switches allow for near wire-speed throughout the network.
4. Security - Port security at access level and policies at the distribution level make the network more secure
5. Manageability - Consistency between switches at each level makes management more simple.
6. Maintanability - The modularity of hierarchical design allows for the network to scale without becoming overly complicated

Question 3

What causes network latency?

Answer 3

Processing of data packets in switches

Question 4

What are the 2 methods of forwarding packets by switches?

Answer 4

1. Store-and-forward - Complete frame is received before forwarding (Less errors but adds delay)
2. Cut-through - The frame is forwarded through the switch before the entire frame is received. (Data can be corrupted)

Question 5

What is symmetric switching?

Answer 5

Each port on the switch is assigned the same bandwidth

Question 6

What is asymmetric switching?

Answer 6

More bandwidth is assigned to the port connected to a server.