Why do switches maintain a MAC address table, and what happens if two devices have the same MAC address?

hard📝 Conceptual Q10 of 15

Computer Networks - Physical and Data Link Layer

ASwitches use the table to forward frames; duplicate MACs cause incorrect forwarding.

BSwitches use the table to assign IP addresses; duplicate MACs cause IP conflicts.

CSwitches use the table to block devices; duplicate MACs are ignored.

DSwitches use the table to encrypt data; duplicate MACs cause encryption errors.

Step-by-Step Solution

Solution:

Step 1: Understand MAC address table purpose
Switches store MAC addresses to know which port to forward frames to.
Step 2: Analyze effect of duplicate MAC addresses
Duplicate MACs confuse the switch, causing frames to be sent to wrong ports or both ports.
Final Answer:
Switches use the table to forward frames; duplicate MACs cause incorrect forwarding. -> Option A
Quick Check:
MAC table use and duplicate effect = Switches use the table to forward frames; duplicate MACs cause incorrect forwarding. [OK]

Quick Trick: Duplicate MACs confuse switches, causing wrong forwarding [OK]

Common Mistakes:

MISTAKES

Master "Physical and Data Link Layer" in Computer Networks

9 interactive learning modes - each teaches the same concept differently

Want More Practice?

15+ quiz questions · All difficulty levels · Free

More Computer Networks Quizzes