Chapter 2: Switching Basics
In This Chapter
Viewing the switch’s location in the OSI model
Seeing how a switch forwards traffic
Booting your switch into operation
Connecting client devices to your switch
Previous chapters in this book explain where switches fit into the overall structure of the enterprise environment. In this chapter and the remainder of this minibook, you are introduced to advanced configuration of the switch.
In particular, this chapter covers how the switch functions in the OSI network model, as well as the methods the switch uses to forward traffic. You also look at the following:
• The benefits of the full duplex operation
• How a switch can speed up traffic over the operation of a hub
• The power-up process of the switch and what all of the status lights on the front of the unit mean
• The process of connecting client devices to the switch
The next chapter in Book III walks you through the configuration process, and the rest of the chapters in this minibook take you through the configuration process, both the basic configuration and some of the advanced ...
