Networking

Ethernet & switching

Terms

7 terms

  • Ethernet

    Ethernet is the IEEE 802.3 family of wired LAN technologies that defines cabling, signaling and the frame format used to carry data between devices.

  • Layer 2

    Layer 2 is the data link layer of the OSI model, where Ethernet frames move between devices on the same network segment using MAC addresses and…

  • Layer 3

    Layer 3 is the network layer of the OSI model, where IP addressing and routing happen and where layer 3 switches forward traffic between subnets.

  • Link aggregation

    Link aggregation bundles several parallel Ethernet links into one logical link, adding capacity and redundancy between switches, servers and storage.

  • Managed switch

    A managed switch is an Ethernet switch that can be configured and monitored, offering VLANs, QoS, link aggregation and security controls on each port.

  • Network switch

    A network switch forwards Ethernet frames between devices in a LAN, learning MAC addresses so each frame reaches only its intended port.

  • Spanning Tree Protocol

    Spanning Tree Protocol is a Layer 2 switching protocol that blocks redundant Ethernet links to prevent loops while keeping backup paths ready for failover.