(ISC)2
SSCP · Question #840
What ISO/OSI layer do switches primarily operate at? Do take note that this question makes reference to a plain vanilla switch and not one of the smart switches that is available on the market today.
The correct answer is C. Data link layer. Switches primarily operate at the data link layer (layer 2), although intelligent, extremely fast Layer 3 switching techniques are being more frequently used.
Submitted by carlos_mx· Apr 18, 2026Network and Communications Security
Question
What ISO/OSI layer do switches primarily operate at? Do take note that this question makes reference to a plain vanilla switch and not one of the smart switches that is available on the market today.
Options
- APhysical layer
- BNetwork layer
- CData link layer
- DSession layer
How the community answered
(56 responses)- A2% (1)
- B5% (3)
- C89% (50)
- D4% (2)
Explanation
Switches primarily operate at the data link layer (layer 2), although intelligent, extremely fast Layer 3 switching techniques are being more frequently used.
Topics
#OSI Model#Networking Devices#Switches#Data Link Layer
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