Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science

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What does ‘dumb’ switches in an End to End approach mean?

Switches have single limited function
Switches do not process data
Switches are designed for speed
Switches require manual configuration

The correct answer is: Switches have single limited function

In an End to End approach, 'dumb' switches refer to switches that have a single limited function, primarily focused on forwarding data packets without performing complex processing. These switches generally operate at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model, relying on MAC addresses to forward frames appropriately. This simplicity allows for faster data transfer as the switches do not need to handle intricate processing tasks. This characteristic is significant in network design, as it emphasizes the notion that 'dumb' switches facilitate high-speed data transmission by performing basic functions, reducing the overhead that comes with more sophisticated switching capabilities. By minimizing the processing load at the switch, the overall network performance can be improved, allowing devices to communicate more efficiently. Understanding the nature of 'dumb' switches helps in grasping the architecture of networking environments, particularly in scenarios where performance and speed are prioritized over complex functionalities.