MAC Address
- The MAC address is the address used in Ethernet which is of 48 bits that make up the address and are represented by hexadecimal numerals.
- When discussing layer 3 addressing, we stated that an IP address is divided into two segments: the network segment and the host segment. A MAC address is also divided into two parts.
- OUI (Organizational Unique Identifier)
- the number is given to the vendor
- The first 24 bits of the MAC address make up the OUI. Typically, it is the code that the IEEE has assigned to a specific vendor. For instance, the OUI in Cisco switches is typical: 0009.7C
- The vendor for that specific device often assigns a number to the next 24 bits. It gives the hardware of the device a distinct identity.
- The complete MAC address is often permanently hard-coded into the switch’s circuitry.
Switch Concepts and Configuration
A switch is a discrete piece of hardware that connects various computers to a single local area network (LAN). In the OSI model, network switches function at layer 2 (Data link layer).
- On the basis of MAC addresses, switches are utilized to forward the packets.
- The switch makes it possible for the device that has been addressed to receive the data.
- It checks the destination address before properly routing the packet.
- Full duplex operation is used.
- Since the source and destination are communicating directly, packet collision is minimal.
- It does not broadcast the message since its bandwidth is constrained.
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