Explore foundational switching concepts with this quiz on VLANs and Spanning Tree Protocol, designed to reinforce understanding of network segmentation, loop prevention, and key related terminology in easy-to-digest questions.
What is the primary purpose of creating VLANs on a network switch?
Explanation: VLANs are mainly used to separate a single physical network into multiple logical broadcast domains, improving performance and security. Increasing internet speed is not their main function. VLANs do not prevent dynamic IP address usage, nor do they require devices to be physically isolated, as segmentation is logical rather than physical.
By default, which VLAN are all ports assigned to on most switches before any configuration changes?
Explanation: On many switches, all ports belong to VLAN 1 by default, which is known as the default VLAN. VLAN 10, VLAN 0, and VLAN 100 are not typically default VLAN assignments; they require explicit configuration.
Which problem does Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) specifically solve in a switched network?
Explanation: STP is designed to detect and prevent network loops in switched topologies, which can cause broadcast storms and data loss. IP address conflicts and DNS misconfigurations are not addressed by STP. Bandwidth limitation is unrelated to what STP resolves.
What must a device be connected to in order to communicate with other devices in the same VLAN?
Explanation: Devices must be connected to ports that are members of the same VLAN to communicate as part of that VLAN. The default gateway is needed for routing between VLANs, not within one. It is not necessary to be on a different switch or only via a trunk port for same-VLAN communication.
What is the term for the central switch selected by STP to serve as a reference point for path calculations?
Explanation: The Root Bridge is the main reference device STP chooses, and all path calculations are based on its location. 'Root Path' refers to a cost, not a switch. 'Primary Switch' and 'Master Port' are not official terms in STP.
Which protocol is commonly used to carry multiple VLANs over a single network link?
Explanation: 802.1Q is the standard protocol for VLAN tagging, allowing multiple VLANs to share a trunk link. 802.11n relates to wireless networks, 802.3u is fast Ethernet, and 802.5 is used for token ring networks, none of which handle VLAN tagging.
If two users are connected to ports in different VLANs, what is true about their broadcast domain?
Explanation: Different VLANs create separate broadcast domains, so users in different VLANs do not share broadcasts. They are not in the same domain, but they may communicate through a router. The option 'always in multiple broadcast domains' is not accurate.
What is the final operating state of a port that is forwarding data in STP?
Explanation: The 'Forwarding' state is where a port actively sends and receives traffic. 'Listening' and 'Learning' are intermediate states during topology changes. 'Blocking' means no user data is forwarded through that port.
What is required to allow communication between devices in different VLANs?
Explanation: Inter-VLAN routing, handled by a Layer 3 device, is necessary for communication between different VLANs. Simply using a crossover cable or enabling STP does not enable such communication. Assigning the same VLAN ID would put both devices in the same VLAN, which isn't inter-VLAN routing.
What does STP convergence refer to in network switching?
Explanation: STP convergence is when the network stabilizes into a loop-free topology after changes. It does not mean increased broadcast traffic or merging VLANs. Clock synchronization is unrelated to STP.