{"id":119442,"date":"2025-01-07T14:06:21","date_gmt":"2025-01-07T19:06:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jumpcloud.com\/?post_type=it-index&p=119442"},"modified":"2025-02-14T17:52:54","modified_gmt":"2025-02-14T22:52:54","slug":"what-is-a-layer-2-switch-features-benefits-and-use-cases","status":"publish","type":"it-index","link":"https:\/\/jumpcloud.com\/it-index\/what-is-a-layer-2-switch-features-benefits-and-use-cases","title":{"rendered":"What Is a Layer 2 Switch? Features, Benefits, and Use Cases"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Layer 2 switches are essential for Local Area Networks (LANs), enabling smooth communication and efficient data traffic management. This guide breaks down the technical details, functions, and importance of Layer 2 switches in today’s IT systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding Layer 2 Switches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A Layer 2 switch is a network device that operates at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model. Its primary responsibility is forwarding data frames between devices within the same LAN. Unlike hubs, which broadcast data to every connected device, Layer 2 switches intelligently forward data only to the device it is intended for, using Media Access Control (MAC) addresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Key Differences Between Layer 2 Switches and Other Networking Devices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hubs vs Layer 3 Switches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n