Understanding How Ethernet Switches Work - Tutorials<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn about the Ethernet switch, its functions, VLANs, collision and broadcast domains, and the differences between switches and hubs\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Understanding How Ethernet Switches Work - Tutorials\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn about the Ethernet switch, its functions, VLANs, collision and broadcast domains, and the differences between switches and hubs\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Tutorials\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/zframez\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-06-26T15:53:57+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-09-14T11:56:57+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/how-a-switch-works.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1762\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"864\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"sajith achipra\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@zframez\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@zframez\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"sajith achipra\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/switching\\\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/switching\\\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"sajith achipra\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/8b3b88007644501771d2452d3cc80f41\"},\"headline\":\"Understanding How Ethernet Switches Work\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-06-26T15:53:57+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-09-14T11:56:57+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/switching\\\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work\"},\"wordCount\":1068,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/switching\\\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/how-a-switch-works.png?fit=1762%2C864&ssl=1\",\"keywords\":[\"access ports\",\"computer networking\",\"ethernet switch\",\"how a switch works?\",\"internet switch\",\"lan switch\",\"layer 2 vs layer 3 switch\",\"layer 3 switch\",\"local area network\",\"mac address\",\"mac learning process\",\"network devices\",\"network switches\",\"trunk ports\",\"vlan tagging\"],\"articleSection\":[\"switching\",\"switching basics\",\"vlan\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/switching\\\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/switching\\\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/switching\\\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work\",\"name\":\"Understanding How Ethernet Switches Work - Tutorials\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/switching\\\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/switching\\\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/how-a-switch-works.png?fit=1762%2C864&ssl=1\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-06-26T15:53:57+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-09-14T11:56:57+00:00\",\"description\":\"Learn about the Ethernet switch, its functions, VLANs, collision and broadcast domains, and the differences between switches and hubs\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/switching\\\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/switching\\\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/switching\\\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/how-a-switch-works.png?fit=1762%2C864&ssl=1\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/how-a-switch-works.png?fit=1762%2C864&ssl=1\",\"width\":1762,\"height\":864},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/switching\\\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Tutorials\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Understanding How Ethernet Switches Work\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/\",\"name\":\"zframez tutorials\",\"description\":\"Learn networking bit by bit\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"zframez technologies\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/zframez-logo.jpg?fit=864%2C864&ssl=1\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/zframez-logo.jpg?fit=864%2C864&ssl=1\",\"width\":864,\"height\":864,\"caption\":\"zframez technologies\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/zframez\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/zframez\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/zframez_technologies\\\/\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/8b3b88007644501771d2452d3cc80f41\",\"name\":\"sajith achipra\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/3d9f27c5311500982b6f19d03d0506f1c328f30f51d8d5f73f46577687fd81f8?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/3d9f27c5311500982b6f19d03d0506f1c328f30f51d8d5f73f46577687fd81f8?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/3d9f27c5311500982b6f19d03d0506f1c328f30f51d8d5f73f46577687fd81f8?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"sajith achipra\"},\"sameAs\":[\"http:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\"]}]}<\/script>\n","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Understanding How Ethernet Switches Work - Tutorials","description":"Learn about the Ethernet switch, its functions, VLANs, collision and broadcast domains, and the differences between switches and hubs","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Understanding How Ethernet Switches Work - Tutorials","og_description":"Learn about the Ethernet switch, its functions, VLANs, collision and broadcast domains, and the differences between switches and hubs","og_url":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work","og_site_name":"Tutorials","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/zframez\/","article_published_time":"2024-06-26T15:53:57+00:00","article_modified_time":"2024-09-14T11:56:57+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1762,"height":864,"url":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/how-a-switch-works.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"sajith achipra","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@zframez","twitter_site":"@zframez","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"sajith achipra","Est. reading time":"6 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work"},"author":{"name":"sajith achipra","@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/8b3b88007644501771d2452d3cc80f41"},"headline":"Understanding How Ethernet Switches Work","datePublished":"2024-06-26T15:53:57+00:00","dateModified":"2024-09-14T11:56:57+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work"},"wordCount":1068,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/how-a-switch-works.png?fit=1762%2C864&ssl=1","keywords":["access ports","computer networking","ethernet switch","how a switch works?","internet switch","lan switch","layer 2 vs layer 3 switch","layer 3 switch","local area network","mac address","mac learning process","network devices","network switches","trunk ports","vlan tagging"],"articleSection":["switching","switching basics","vlan"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work","url":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work","name":"Understanding How Ethernet Switches Work - Tutorials","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/how-a-switch-works.png?fit=1762%2C864&ssl=1","datePublished":"2024-06-26T15:53:57+00:00","dateModified":"2024-09-14T11:56:57+00:00","description":"Learn about the Ethernet switch, its functions, VLANs, collision and broadcast domains, and the differences between switches and hubs","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/how-a-switch-works.png?fit=1762%2C864&ssl=1","contentUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/how-a-switch-works.png?fit=1762%2C864&ssl=1","width":1762,"height":864},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Tutorials","item":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Understanding How Ethernet Switches Work"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/","name":"zframez tutorials","description":"Learn networking bit by bit","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/#organization","name":"zframez technologies","url":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/zframez-logo.jpg?fit=864%2C864&ssl=1","contentUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/zframez-logo.jpg?fit=864%2C864&ssl=1","width":864,"height":864,"caption":"zframez technologies"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/zframez\/","https:\/\/x.com\/zframez","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/zframez_technologies\/"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/8b3b88007644501771d2452d3cc80f41","name":"sajith achipra","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3d9f27c5311500982b6f19d03d0506f1c328f30f51d8d5f73f46577687fd81f8?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3d9f27c5311500982b6f19d03d0506f1c328f30f51d8d5f73f46577687fd81f8?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3d9f27c5311500982b6f19d03d0506f1c328f30f51d8d5f73f46577687fd81f8?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"sajith achipra"},"sameAs":["http:\/\/www.zframez.com"]}]}},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/how-a-switch-works.png?fit=1762%2C864&ssl=1","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":17,"url":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-a-vlan-its-advantages-and-configuration","url_meta":{"origin":11,"position":0},"title":"What is a VLAN: Its Advantages and Configuration","author":"sajith achipra","date":"July 4, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Understanding VLANs, Tagging Process, and Configuration In the last tutorial, we learned about the basics of Ethernet switches and the switching process. Now, let's try to understand VLANs, which are used to reduce unwanted traffic in Ethernet switches. We will also explore the concept of VLAN tagging using the IEEE\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "switching"","block_context":{"text":"switching","link":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/category\/switching"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/vlan-id-in-ieee-802.1q-vlan-tag-strcuture.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/vlan-id-in-ieee-802.1q-vlan-tag-strcuture.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/vlan-id-in-ieee-802.1q-vlan-tag-strcuture.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/vlan-id-in-ieee-802.1q-vlan-tag-strcuture.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/vlan-id-in-ieee-802.1q-vlan-tag-strcuture.png?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/vlan-id-in-ieee-802.1q-vlan-tag-strcuture.png?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":45,"url":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/inter-vlan-communication-using-router-on-a-stick","url_meta":{"origin":11,"position":1},"title":"Configuring Router on a Stick for Inter-VLAN Communication","author":"sajith achipra","date":"July 5, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Table of Contents Inter-VLAN Communication Inter-VLAN Communication Methods What is Router on a Stick? Understanding the Router on a Stick Topology Frame Flow in Router on a Stick Topology Cisco Router on a Stick Configuration Inter-VLAN Communication In the previous chapters, we discussed VLANs and VLAN configuration. You understand that\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "switching"","block_context":{"text":"switching","link":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/category\/switching"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Router-on-a-stick-topology-1.png?fit=1200%2C705&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Router-on-a-stick-topology-1.png?fit=1200%2C705&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Router-on-a-stick-topology-1.png?fit=1200%2C705&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Router-on-a-stick-topology-1.png?fit=1200%2C705&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Router-on-a-stick-topology-1.png?fit=1200%2C705&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":191,"url":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/vlan-configuration-examples","url_meta":{"origin":11,"position":2},"title":"VLAN Configuration Examples","author":"sajith achipra","date":"July 16, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Configuring VLANs and dot1q Tagging on Cisco Switches In the last tutorial, we discussed VLANs and the tagging process. Now, let's understand how to configure VLANs and dot1q tagging with two examples. In the first example, we will cover basic VLAN configuration and the commands to map ports to a\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "switching"","block_context":{"text":"switching","link":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/category\/switching"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/vlan-configuration-topology.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/vlan-configuration-topology.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/vlan-configuration-topology.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/vlan-configuration-topology.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/vlan-configuration-topology.png?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/vlan-configuration-topology.png?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1277,"url":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/networking-fundamentals\/understanding-ethernet-features-devices-and-frame-format","url_meta":{"origin":11,"position":3},"title":"Understanding Ethernet: Features, Devices, and Frame Format","author":"sajith achipra","date":"August 6, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Ethernet Basics: Features, Devices, and Frame Structure Ethernet is the most widely used technology in local wired networks. Almost all the LANs we work with today use Ethernet to connect systems and devices. In this tutorial, we\u2019ll look at some important features of Ethernet, the devices used, and how the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Networking Fundamentals"","block_context":{"text":"Networking Fundamentals","link":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/category\/networking-fundamentals"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DIX-ethernet-header-structure.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DIX-ethernet-header-structure.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DIX-ethernet-header-structure.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DIX-ethernet-header-structure.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DIX-ethernet-header-structure.png?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DIX-ethernet-header-structure.png?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1231,"url":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/networking-fundamentals\/networking-terminologies-a-beginners-guide-part-2","url_meta":{"origin":11,"position":4},"title":"Networking Terminologies \u2013 A Beginner\u2019s Guide Part 2","author":"sajith achipra","date":"July 29, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"This post continues from Part 1 and covers a few more important networking concepts. These terms often come up when learning how data moves through a network, especially when understanding how devices identify each other, how applications communicate, and how data is structured at each layer. 1. MAC Address \u2013\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Networking Fundamentals"","block_context":{"text":"Networking Fundamentals","link":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/category\/networking-fundamentals"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":1221,"url":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/networking-fundamentals\/networking-terminologies-a-beginners-guide-part-1","url_meta":{"origin":11,"position":5},"title":"Networking Terminologies \u2013 A Beginner\u2019s Guide Part 1","author":"sajith achipra","date":"July 29, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Understanding how computer networks work starts with learning a few essential terms. This post introduces some of the core networking concepts in a simple and practical way. If you're just getting started with networking or brushing up on the basics, this will give you a solid foundation to build on.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Networking Fundamentals"","block_context":{"text":"Networking Fundamentals","link":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/category\/networking-fundamentals"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/OSI-vs-TCP-IP-1.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/OSI-vs-TCP-IP-1.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/OSI-vs-TCP-IP-1.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/OSI-vs-TCP-IP-1.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":882,"href":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11\/revisions\/882"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/72"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}

This tutorial answers key interview questions about Ethernet switching to help you understand the Ethernet switch and the layer 2 frame forwarding process. You will learn how the switch works, why it is better than hubs, and important concepts like VLAN, VLAN tagging, and the differences between Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of the Ethernet switch and its role in building efficient and reliable local area networks (LANs).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Table of Contents<\/h3>\n
\n
What is an Ethernet switch?<\/a><\/li>\n
How does a switch work?<\/a><\/li>\n
Differences between switches and hubs<\/a><\/li>\n
Cases When a Switch Will Flood a Frame<\/a><\/li>\n
What is a collision domain?<\/a><\/li>\n
What is a broadcast domain?<\/a><\/li>\n
What is a tagged port or trunk port?<\/a><\/li>\n
What is an untagged port or an access port?<\/a><\/li>\n
Difference between L3 switches and L2 switches<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
What is an Ethernet switch?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
An Ethernet switch interconnects devices like computers, printers, servers, routers, and modems to create a local area network (LAN). We also call them network switches or LAN switches. They provide full duplex, collision-free communication between the devices connected to them<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are two types of switches: Layer 2 (L2) switches and Layer 3 (L3) switches. L2 switches use MAC addresses<\/strong> to make forwarding decisions, so we consider them Layer 2 devices. L3 switches, or multilayer switches, use both MAC and IP addresses<\/strong> to forward traffic, so we consider them Layer 3 devices<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
How does an Ethernet switch work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
An Ethernet switch (or network switch) learns the MAC addresses of connected devices and creates a MAC table.<\/strong> When a switch receives a frame, it checks the destination MAC address and looks up the MAC table to determine which interface the MAC is connected to. The switch then forwards the frame directly to that port. Switches create a unidirectional temporary path from the source port to the destination port to forward frames.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"Diagram$
Switch forwarding a frame using the MAC address table<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
What Are the Differences Between Switches and Hubs?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hubs also connect network devices to set up a LAN, but they flood all the frames they receive, disturbing all connected devices. Hubs do not act as intelligent devices; they only forward frames to all connected devices<\/strong>. On the other hand, switches act as intelligent devices. They learn the MAC addresses of connected devices and create a MAC table. Switches base forwarding decisions on the destination MAC address in the frame. Therefore, switches unicast the frame directly to the destination without disturbing other connected devices.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"Image$
Flooding in Hub Vs Unicasting in Switch<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
Cases When a Switch Will Flood a Frame<\/strong>:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A switch floods a frame in three cases:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. When the destination MAC address is an unknown unicast:<\/strong> If a switch receives a frame with a destination MAC address that is not in its MAC table, it does not know which port to send the frame to. To ensure the frame reaches its intended recipient, the switch floods the frame out of all its ports except the one it received it on. Once the destination device replies, the switch learns its MAC address and updates the MAC table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. When the destination MAC address is a broadcast:<\/strong> The broadcast MAC address (FF:FF:FF:FF) indicates that the frame is intended for all devices on the network. When a switch encounters a broadcast address, it floods the frame out of all ports to ensure every connected device receives the broadcasted data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. When the destination MAC address is a multicast:<\/strong> Multicast addresses are used to deliver frames to a specific group of devices. By default, the switch does not know where the group members are connected, so it floods the frame out of all ports<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
What is a collision domain? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A collision domain consists of a network segment where data frames can collide when multiple devices transmit simultaneously. In Ethernet networks using half-duplex communication, devices share the same communication medium, such as a segment of a coaxial cable or a hub, which leads to potential collisions. When two devices transmit data at the same time, their signals interfere with each other, causing a collision. In contrast, modern Ethernet networks using full-duplex communication, such as switches connected by twisted pair cables, eliminate collision domains for each port<\/strong>. Full-duplex communication allows devices to transmit and receive data simultaneously on dedicated pairs of wires, eliminating the possibility of collisions and improving overall network efficiency<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
What is a broadcast domain?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In computer networking, a broadcast domain refers to a segment of a network where broadcast messages can reach all devices. When devices send broadcast messages, such as ARP requests or DHCP requests, these messages reach all devices within that specific broadcast domain. By default, switches include all ports in the same broadcast domain. This means that when any device connected to the switch sends broadcast messages, the switch forwards these messages to all other devices connected to any port on the switch. This can lead to network congestion if there are many broadcast-intensive applications or devices. To manage broadcast traffic more effectively, switches often use VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) to create separate broadcast domains. Devices within the same VLAN can communicate with each other directly, reducing the scope of broadcast messages and improving network efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
What is a tagged port or trunk port?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A tagged port or trunk port is a port that connects one switch to another switch. When one switch forwards a frame to another, it includes VLAN information. This process is called VLAN tagging. We call the port that performs VLAN tagging a tagged port.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
What is an untagged port or an access port?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
An untagged port, or access port, connects to an end device like a computer, printer, or router. The switch does not add a VLAN tag when it sends a frame out of an untagged port.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
$\"Image$
Tagged Ports and Untagged Ports<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
Difference Between a Layer 3 Switch and A Layer 2 Switch<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Layer 2 switches can use only MAC addresses to make the forwarding decision, while Layer 3 switches combine the capabilities of traditional Layer 2 switches with routing functionalities found in routers. They can route data between different VLANs and subnets, simplifying network design and reducing the need for separate routers. This integration enhances network efficiency and facilitates faster data transfer across complex networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n Next >>> Understanding VLANs, Tagging Process, and Configuration<\/a>

\n Previous >>> OSPF Configuration Example 1: Adjacency Formation<\/a>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Further Reading : Cisco Switches<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n<\/body>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
An Overview of Mac Learning, Flooding, Collision and Broadcast Domain in Ethernet Switches This tutorial answers key interview questions about Ethernet switching to help you understand the Ethernet switch and the layer 2 frame forwarding process. You will learn how the switch works, why it is better than hubs, and important concepts like VLAN, VLAN […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":72,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"wp-custom-template-post-with-sidebar2","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,3,4],"tags":[43,38,9,45,35,34,44,39,36,40,41,37,32,22,42],"class_list":["post-11","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-switching","category-switching-basics","category-vlan","tag-access-ports","tag-computer-networking","tag-ethernet-switch","tag-how-a-switch-works","tag-internet-switch","tag-lan-switch","tag-layer-2-vs-layer-3-switch","tag-layer-3-switch","tag-local-area-network","tag-mac-address","tag-mac-learning-process","tag-network-devices","tag-network-switches","tag-trunk-ports","tag-vlan-tagging"],"yoast_head":"\nUnderstanding How Ethernet Switches Work - Tutorials<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn about the Ethernet switch, its functions, VLANs, collision and broadcast domains, and the differences between switches and hubs\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Understanding How Ethernet Switches Work - Tutorials\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn about the Ethernet switch, its functions, VLANs, collision and broadcast domains, and the differences between switches and hubs\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Tutorials\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/zframez\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-06-26T15:53:57+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-09-14T11:56:57+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/how-a-switch-works.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1762\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"864\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"sajith achipra\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@zframez\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@zframez\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"sajith achipra\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/switching\\\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/switching\\\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"sajith achipra\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/8b3b88007644501771d2452d3cc80f41\"},\"headline\":\"Understanding How Ethernet Switches Work\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-06-26T15:53:57+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-09-14T11:56:57+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/switching\\\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work\"},\"wordCount\":1068,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/switching\\\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/how-a-switch-works.png?fit=1762%2C864&ssl=1\",\"keywords\":[\"access ports\",\"computer networking\",\"ethernet switch\",\"how a switch works?\",\"internet switch\",\"lan switch\",\"layer 2 vs layer 3 switch\",\"layer 3 switch\",\"local area network\",\"mac address\",\"mac learning process\",\"network devices\",\"network switches\",\"trunk ports\",\"vlan tagging\"],\"articleSection\":[\"switching\",\"switching basics\",\"vlan\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/switching\\\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/switching\\\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/switching\\\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work\",\"name\":\"Understanding How Ethernet Switches Work - Tutorials\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/switching\\\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/switching\\\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/how-a-switch-works.png?fit=1762%2C864&ssl=1\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-06-26T15:53:57+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-09-14T11:56:57+00:00\",\"description\":\"Learn about the Ethernet switch, its functions, VLANs, collision and broadcast domains, and the differences between switches and hubs\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/switching\\\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/switching\\\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/switching\\\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/how-a-switch-works.png?fit=1762%2C864&ssl=1\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/how-a-switch-works.png?fit=1762%2C864&ssl=1\",\"width\":1762,\"height\":864},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/switching\\\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Tutorials\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Understanding How Ethernet Switches Work\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/\",\"name\":\"zframez tutorials\",\"description\":\"Learn networking bit by bit\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"zframez technologies\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/zframez-logo.jpg?fit=864%2C864&ssl=1\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/zframez-logo.jpg?fit=864%2C864&ssl=1\",\"width\":864,\"height\":864,\"caption\":\"zframez technologies\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/zframez\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/zframez\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/zframez_technologies\\\/\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\\\/articles\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/8b3b88007644501771d2452d3cc80f41\",\"name\":\"sajith achipra\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/3d9f27c5311500982b6f19d03d0506f1c328f30f51d8d5f73f46577687fd81f8?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/3d9f27c5311500982b6f19d03d0506f1c328f30f51d8d5f73f46577687fd81f8?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/3d9f27c5311500982b6f19d03d0506f1c328f30f51d8d5f73f46577687fd81f8?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"sajith achipra\"},\"sameAs\":[\"http:\\\/\\\/www.zframez.com\"]}]}<\/script>\n","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Understanding How Ethernet Switches Work - Tutorials","description":"Learn about the Ethernet switch, its functions, VLANs, collision and broadcast domains, and the differences between switches and hubs","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Understanding How Ethernet Switches Work - Tutorials","og_description":"Learn about the Ethernet switch, its functions, VLANs, collision and broadcast domains, and the differences between switches and hubs","og_url":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work","og_site_name":"Tutorials","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/zframez\/","article_published_time":"2024-06-26T15:53:57+00:00","article_modified_time":"2024-09-14T11:56:57+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1762,"height":864,"url":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/how-a-switch-works.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"sajith achipra","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@zframez","twitter_site":"@zframez","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"sajith achipra","Est. reading time":"6 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work"},"author":{"name":"sajith achipra","@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/8b3b88007644501771d2452d3cc80f41"},"headline":"Understanding How Ethernet Switches Work","datePublished":"2024-06-26T15:53:57+00:00","dateModified":"2024-09-14T11:56:57+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work"},"wordCount":1068,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/how-a-switch-works.png?fit=1762%2C864&ssl=1","keywords":["access ports","computer networking","ethernet switch","how a switch works?","internet switch","lan switch","layer 2 vs layer 3 switch","layer 3 switch","local area network","mac address","mac learning process","network devices","network switches","trunk ports","vlan tagging"],"articleSection":["switching","switching basics","vlan"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work","url":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work","name":"Understanding How Ethernet Switches Work - Tutorials","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/how-a-switch-works.png?fit=1762%2C864&ssl=1","datePublished":"2024-06-26T15:53:57+00:00","dateModified":"2024-09-14T11:56:57+00:00","description":"Learn about the Ethernet switch, its functions, VLANs, collision and broadcast domains, and the differences between switches and hubs","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/how-a-switch-works.png?fit=1762%2C864&ssl=1","contentUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/how-a-switch-works.png?fit=1762%2C864&ssl=1","width":1762,"height":864},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-an-ethernet-switch-understanding-how-network-switches-work#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Tutorials","item":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Understanding How Ethernet Switches Work"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/","name":"zframez tutorials","description":"Learn networking bit by bit","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/#organization","name":"zframez technologies","url":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/zframez-logo.jpg?fit=864%2C864&ssl=1","contentUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/zframez-logo.jpg?fit=864%2C864&ssl=1","width":864,"height":864,"caption":"zframez technologies"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/zframez\/","https:\/\/x.com\/zframez","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/zframez_technologies\/"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/8b3b88007644501771d2452d3cc80f41","name":"sajith achipra","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3d9f27c5311500982b6f19d03d0506f1c328f30f51d8d5f73f46577687fd81f8?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3d9f27c5311500982b6f19d03d0506f1c328f30f51d8d5f73f46577687fd81f8?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3d9f27c5311500982b6f19d03d0506f1c328f30f51d8d5f73f46577687fd81f8?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"sajith achipra"},"sameAs":["http:\/\/www.zframez.com"]}]}},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/how-a-switch-works.png?fit=1762%2C864&ssl=1","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":17,"url":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/what-is-a-vlan-its-advantages-and-configuration","url_meta":{"origin":11,"position":0},"title":"What is a VLAN: Its Advantages and Configuration","author":"sajith achipra","date":"July 4, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Understanding VLANs, Tagging Process, and Configuration In the last tutorial, we learned about the basics of Ethernet switches and the switching process. Now, let's try to understand VLANs, which are used to reduce unwanted traffic in Ethernet switches. We will also explore the concept of VLAN tagging using the IEEE\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "switching"","block_context":{"text":"switching","link":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/category\/switching"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/vlan-id-in-ieee-802.1q-vlan-tag-strcuture.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/vlan-id-in-ieee-802.1q-vlan-tag-strcuture.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/vlan-id-in-ieee-802.1q-vlan-tag-strcuture.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/vlan-id-in-ieee-802.1q-vlan-tag-strcuture.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/vlan-id-in-ieee-802.1q-vlan-tag-strcuture.png?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/vlan-id-in-ieee-802.1q-vlan-tag-strcuture.png?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":45,"url":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/inter-vlan-communication-using-router-on-a-stick","url_meta":{"origin":11,"position":1},"title":"Configuring Router on a Stick for Inter-VLAN Communication","author":"sajith achipra","date":"July 5, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Table of Contents Inter-VLAN Communication Inter-VLAN Communication Methods What is Router on a Stick? Understanding the Router on a Stick Topology Frame Flow in Router on a Stick Topology Cisco Router on a Stick Configuration Inter-VLAN Communication In the previous chapters, we discussed VLANs and VLAN configuration. You understand that\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "switching"","block_context":{"text":"switching","link":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/category\/switching"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Router-on-a-stick-topology-1.png?fit=1200%2C705&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Router-on-a-stick-topology-1.png?fit=1200%2C705&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Router-on-a-stick-topology-1.png?fit=1200%2C705&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Router-on-a-stick-topology-1.png?fit=1200%2C705&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Router-on-a-stick-topology-1.png?fit=1200%2C705&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":191,"url":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/switching\/vlan-configuration-examples","url_meta":{"origin":11,"position":2},"title":"VLAN Configuration Examples","author":"sajith achipra","date":"July 16, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Configuring VLANs and dot1q Tagging on Cisco Switches In the last tutorial, we discussed VLANs and the tagging process. Now, let's understand how to configure VLANs and dot1q tagging with two examples. In the first example, we will cover basic VLAN configuration and the commands to map ports to a\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "switching"","block_context":{"text":"switching","link":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/category\/switching"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/vlan-configuration-topology.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/vlan-configuration-topology.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/vlan-configuration-topology.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/vlan-configuration-topology.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/vlan-configuration-topology.png?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/vlan-configuration-topology.png?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1277,"url":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/networking-fundamentals\/understanding-ethernet-features-devices-and-frame-format","url_meta":{"origin":11,"position":3},"title":"Understanding Ethernet: Features, Devices, and Frame Format","author":"sajith achipra","date":"August 6, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Ethernet Basics: Features, Devices, and Frame Structure Ethernet is the most widely used technology in local wired networks. Almost all the LANs we work with today use Ethernet to connect systems and devices. In this tutorial, we\u2019ll look at some important features of Ethernet, the devices used, and how the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Networking Fundamentals"","block_context":{"text":"Networking Fundamentals","link":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/category\/networking-fundamentals"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DIX-ethernet-header-structure.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DIX-ethernet-header-structure.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DIX-ethernet-header-structure.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DIX-ethernet-header-structure.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DIX-ethernet-header-structure.png?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/DIX-ethernet-header-structure.png?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1231,"url":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/networking-fundamentals\/networking-terminologies-a-beginners-guide-part-2","url_meta":{"origin":11,"position":4},"title":"Networking Terminologies \u2013 A Beginner\u2019s Guide Part 2","author":"sajith achipra","date":"July 29, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"This post continues from Part 1 and covers a few more important networking concepts. These terms often come up when learning how data moves through a network, especially when understanding how devices identify each other, how applications communicate, and how data is structured at each layer. 1. MAC Address \u2013\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Networking Fundamentals"","block_context":{"text":"Networking Fundamentals","link":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/category\/networking-fundamentals"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":1221,"url":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/networking-fundamentals\/networking-terminologies-a-beginners-guide-part-1","url_meta":{"origin":11,"position":5},"title":"Networking Terminologies \u2013 A Beginner\u2019s Guide Part 1","author":"sajith achipra","date":"July 29, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Understanding how computer networks work starts with learning a few essential terms. This post introduces some of the core networking concepts in a simple and practical way. If you're just getting started with networking or brushing up on the basics, this will give you a solid foundation to build on.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Networking Fundamentals"","block_context":{"text":"Networking Fundamentals","link":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/category\/networking-fundamentals"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/OSI-vs-TCP-IP-1.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/OSI-vs-TCP-IP-1.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/OSI-vs-TCP-IP-1.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/OSI-vs-TCP-IP-1.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":882,"href":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11\/revisions\/882"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/72"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zframez.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}