mac layer function in switched etherner

[sarahr202]

Hi every bodY

In If hosts are connected using ethernet via hub, mac layer on each host determines when host can or can not send data.

But in switched ethernet where host are connected to switchport and there is no contention as to who access the medium first, Do we need mac lyer in switched ethernet? if yes what purpose will it serve?

thanks a lot!

[Jon Marshall · Accepted solution]

Sarah

You still need it if the link is not full duplex because there is still the possibility of a collision but if it is running full duplex then technically no you don't need the mac layer.

Jon

[Giuseppe Larosa · Accepted solution]

Hello Jon, Sarah

in a switched environment we don't need MAC as media access control, but we still use the MAC addresses as a way to reach NICs in a vlan.

So we cannot remove the MAC layer it is still used.

Hope to help

Giuseppe

[Jon Marshall]

Giuseppe

Sorry, i was talking purely about the CSMA/CD part of the mac-layer. I was probably being a bit literal !!

Jon

[Giuseppe Larosa]

Hello Jon,

that was clear to me.

By the way

My compliments for your 10000 points in netpro !

and for the new "first dan" badge

Best Regards

Giuseppe

[Jon Marshall]

Giuseppe

Many thanks. I fully expect to see you joining me, and if you carry on the way you are now, it won't be too far in the future.

Jon

[sarahr202]

thanks Jon and Giuseppe!

As for the 10000 points Jon, congratulations ! But be advised I am getting started as well :-)

[Jon Marshall]

Sarah

Many thanks.

"But be advised I am getting started as well :-)"

I noticed and i wish it wasn't in LAN Routing and Switching. Could you not specialise in something that me & Giuseppe dont such as IP telephony :-).

Seriously, you are more than welcome Sarah, good to have you in this forum.

Jon

[sarahr202]

you guys are the best teachers. This is my wish to help someone like myself the way you guys help me every day!