N10-005 Question #597: Real Exam Question with Answer & Explanation

The correct answer is A: Switch. A switch is a Layer 2 device that builds a MAC address table and uses it to forward Ethernet frames to the correct port. It does not route based on IP addresses.

Question

Which of the following operates at OSI layer 2 to forward traffic based on the MAC address?

Options

ASwitch
BProxy Server
CRouter
DVPN Concentrator

Explanation

A switch is a Layer 2 device that builds a MAC address table and uses it to forward Ethernet frames to the correct port. It does not route based on IP addresses.

Common mistakes.

B. A proxy server operates at OSI Layer 7 (Application layer), forwarding requests based on application-layer content, not MAC addresses.
C. A router operates at OSI Layer 3 (Network layer) and forwards packets based on IP addresses, not MAC addresses.
D. A VPN Concentrator operates at Layer 3 or above, managing encrypted tunnels using IP-based addressing, not MAC addresses.

Concept tested. OSI Layer 2 switching and MAC address forwarding

Reference. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/networking/technologies/network-subsystem/net-sub-choose-nic

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