Layer 2 Networking Basics
A local area network (LAN) is the means for interconnecting devices. These devices are connected for the purpose of exchanging information and sharing resources. A LAN is commonly thought of in terms of its ability to connect a department and its employees together. A LAN is also the means to connect to the outside world, normally by connecting to the Internet. However, a LAN is still a LAN even if it doesn’t have an Internet connection. Any LAN is able to operate completely on Layer 2 (the Data Link Layer) with help from Layer 1 (the Physical Layer). This is true of LANs that connect to the outside world and those that do not. Message frames transmitted on a standalone network are intended solely for another local ...
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