Do switches look at IP addresses?

Does a Switch remember IP-Addresses or MAC-Addresses to calculate its decisions? As explained above, a switch is IP-agnostic, as it works on a lower level of abstraction. Thus, only MAC-addresses.

Why do switches not have IP addresses?

But since the switch does not have the capability to assign IP addresses, the computers connected to it will not be able to communicate with each other. They will get an Automatic Private IP Address (APIPA). You need to assign a static IP address to your computers.

What is the purpose of the hub and switch?

Hub and Switch are both network connecting devices. Hub works at physical layer and is responsible to transmit the signal to port to respond where the signal was received whereas Switch enable connection setting and terminating based on need.

Why IP is used instead of Mac?

The main difference between MAC and IP address is that MAC Address is used to ensure the physical address of the computer. It uniquely identifies the devices on a network. While IP addresses are used to uniquely identifies the connection of the network with that device takes part in a network. 1.

How do LAN IP addresses work?

The use of IP addresses typically happens behind the scenes. The process works like this: Your device indirectly connects to the internet by connecting at first to a network connected to the internet, which then grants your device access to the internet. Your IP address is assigned to your device by your ISP.

How does a LAN switch work?

How does a network switch work? When a device sends a packet to another device, it enters the switch and the switch reads its header to determine what to do with it. It matches the destination address or addresses and sends the packet out through the appropriate ports that leads to the destination devices.

Do Ethernet switches have IP addresses?

It is a ethernet switch and its Switches ethernet packets and on the level of ethernet packets there are no IP addresses.

How do switches assign IP addresses?

Network switches are not able to assign IP addresses due to them not having DHCP capabilities. DHCP is performed by the router with it assigning IP addresses to the devices that connect to the network. Without DHCP in place, static IP addresses will need to be set to allow for communication.

Why do switches have IP addresses?

The main reason for some switches having an IP address is for ease of access, including when being accessed remotely. When a switch has an IP address, it is easy to remotely connect to it and manage the configuration as and when is needed. Having an IP address is also one of the prerequisites should you wish to Telnet on to your switch.

What is the IP address of a layer 2 switch used for?

11 An IP address on a true layer 2 only switch is used for management (accessing the CLI remotely, sending SNMP traps, logging, TACACS/RADIUS, etc.). The IP address on the switch is in no way required for the switch to actually do its job, which is to switch frames.

Do I need an IP address to communicate with a LAN?

Technically you don’t need an IP address to communicate within a LAN. In fact, when the actual communication takes place IP addresses are only used for looking up MAC addresses and the device won’t send anything out with an IP address on it except under specific circumstances.

Why does a network switch need to know where to plug in?

Because if it did not, it would be a “hub”. Just as a switch (or points) on a railway track direct traffic, the switch needs to know where to send the traffic, in particular which port (plug hole or socket). IP addresses can share ports so it is not necessarily a 1:1 realationship.