1.

 Explain how media access control in the data link layer supports communication
across networks?
The MAC sublayer is responsible for data encapsulation and media access control. MAC
supports communication across networks by managing access to the transmission
medium, identifying and addressing devices on the network using unique MAC
addresses, and providing mechanisms to ensure data integrity and prevent data
collisions.
2. Describe the purpose and function of the data link layer in preparing communication
for transmission on specific media?
The Data Link layer is responsible for communications between end-device network
interface cards. It allows upper layer protocols to access the physical layer media and
encapsulates Layer 3 packets (IPv4 and IPv6) into Layer 2 Frames. It also performs error
detection and rejects corrupts frames. The Data Link Layer plays a critical role in
preparing data for transmission over specific media by dividing data into frames,
managing access to the transmission medium, and ensuring reliable and error-free
communication between devices on a network.
Logical Link Control (LLC)- The LLC sublayer communicates between the networking
software at the upper layers and the device hardware at the lower layers.
Media Access Control (MAC)-The MAC sublayer is responsible for data encapsulation
and media access control.
3. Compare the characteristics of media access control methods on WAN and LAN
topologies?
The MAC methods used in WANs and LANs have different characteristics based on the
topology of the network, the type of transmission media used, and the specific
requirements of the network. WANs often use circuit switching, packet switching, or
ATM, while LANs commonly use CSMA/CD, token passing, or CSMA/CA.
4. Describe the characteristics and functions of the data link frame?
Data is encapsulated by the data link layer with a header and a trailer to form a frame. A
data link frame has three parts:
• Header- The header is the beginning of the Data Link frame and contains information
about the source and destination of the frame.
• Data- The data is the actual information being transmitted over the network, such as a
file, email message, or video stream.
• Trailer- The trailer is the end of the Data Link frame and contains a checksum or other
error detection code.
The fields of the header and trailer vary according to data link layer protocol. The
amount of control information carried with in the frame varies according to access
control information and logical topology.
5. Explain the purpose of the Data Link Layer?
The Data Link layer is responsible for communications between end-device network
interface cards. It allows upper layer protocols to access the physical layer media and
encapsulates Layer 3 packets (IPv4 and IPv6) into Layer 2 Frames. It also performs error
detection and rejects corrupts frames.
6. Explain how Ethernet operates in a switched network?
Ethernet operation in a switched network provides a fast and efficient way to transmit
data between devices on a LAN. The switch forwards frames only to the appropriate
port, reducing network congestion and improving performance. The MAC address
learning and error checking processes ensure reliable communication between devices,
while the collision avoidance mechanism prevents collisions and improves the efficiency
of network communication.
7.Explain how the Ethernet sublayers are related to the frame fields?
The Ethernet sublayers are related to the frame fields in that the MAC sublayer defines
the format and rules for transmitting frames on the network, while the LLC sublayer
provides flow control and error checking services to ensure reliable transmission of data.
Together, these sublayers define the Ethernet frame format and enable devices on a
network to communicate with each other.
8. Describe the Ethernet MAC address?
An Ethernet MAC address consists of a 48-bit binary value, expressed using 12
hexadecimal values. An Ethernet MAC address is a 48-bit address expressed using 12
hexadecimal digits. Because a byte equals 8 bits, we can also say that a MAC address is 6
bytes in length. All MAC addresses must be unique to the Ethernet device or Ethernet
interface. To ensure this, all vendors that sell Ethernet devices must register with the
IEEE to obtain a unique 6 hexadecimal (i.e., 24-bit or 3-byte) code called the
organizationally unique identifier (OUI). An Ethernet MAC address consists of a 6
hexadecimal vendor OUI code followed by a 6 hexadecimal vendor-assigned value.
9. Explain how a switch builds its MAC address table and forwards frames?
A Layer 2 Ethernet switch uses Layer 2 MAC addresses to make forwarding decisions. It
is completely unaware of the data (protocol) being carried in the data portion of the
frame, such as an IPv4 packet, an ARP message, or an IPv6 ND packet. The switch makes
its forwarding decisions based solely on the Layer 2 Ethernet MAC addresses. An
Ethernet switch examines its MAC address table to make a forwarding decision for each
frame, unlike legacy Ethernet hubs that repeat bits out all ports except the incoming
port. When a switch is turned on, the MAC address table is empty.
10.Describe switch forwarding methods and port settings available on Layer 2 switch
ports?
Store-and-forward switching - This frame forwarding method receives the entire frame
and computes the CRC. If the CRC is valid, the switch looks up the destination address,
which determines the outgoing interface. Then the frame is forwarded out of the correct
port.
Cut-through switching - This frame forwarding method forwards the frame before it is
entirely received. At a minimum, the destination address of the frame must be read
before the frame can be forwarded.
Fast-forward switching - Offers the lowest level of latency by immediately forwarding a
packet after reading the destination address. Because fast-forward switching starts
forwarding before the entire packet has been received, there may be times when
packets are relayed with errors. The destination NIC discards the faulty packet upon
receipt. Fast-forward switching is the typical cut-through method of switching.
Fragment-free switching - A compromise between the high latency and high integrity of
store-and-forward switching and the low latency and reduced integrity of fast-forward
switching, the switch stores and performs an error check on the first 64 bytes of the
frame before forwarding. Because most network errors and collisions occur during the
first 64 bytes, this ensures that a collision has not occurred before forwarding the frame.
Port-based memory
•Frames are stored in queues that are linked to specific incoming and outgoing ports.
•A frame is transmitted to the outgoing port only when all the frames ahead in the
queue
have been successfully transmitted.
•It is possible for a single frame to delay the transmission of all the frames in memory
because of a busy destination port.
•This delay occurs even if the other frames could be transmitted to open destination
ports.
Shared memory
•Deposits all frames into a common memory buffer shared by all switch ports and the
amount of buffer memory required by a port is dynamically allocated.
•The frames in the buffer are dynamically linked to the destination port enabling a
packet
to be received on one port and then transmitted on another port, without moving it to a
different queue.
Port-based memory
•Frames are stored in queues that are linked to specific incoming and outgoing ports.
•A frame is transmitted to the outgoing port only when all the frames ahead in the
queue
have been successfully transmitted.
•It is possible for a single frame to delay the transmission of all the frames in memory
because of a busy destination port.
•This delay occurs even if the other frames could be transmitted to open destination
ports.
Shared memory
•Deposits all frames into a common memory buffer shared by all switch ports and the
amount of buffer memory required by a port is dynamically allocated.
•The frames in the buffer are dynamically linked to the destination port enabling a
packet
to be received on one port and then transmitted on another port, without moving it to a
different queue.