Why would a Layer 2 switch need an IP address?

Why would a Layer 2 switch need an IP address?

• A. to enable the switch to send broadcast frames to attached PCs
• B. to enable the switch to function as a default gateway
• C. to enable the switch to be managed remotely
• D. to enable the switch to receive frames from attached PCs

Answer: (C)

IP addresses are used to manage devices, not to move data across the network. A Layer 2 switch forwards frames using MAC addresses and doesn’t need an IP address to do its switching. Assigning an IP on a management interface lets administrators reach the switch from anywhere on the network—via SSH, Telnet, HTTPS/HTTP, SNMP, and other management tools—so it can be configured and monitored remotely. Broadcasting and receiving frames are handled at Layer 2 and don’t require an IP. Using a switch as a default gateway would require routing capabilities, which is not typical for a pure Layer 2 device.

IP addresses are used to manage devices, not to move data across the network. A Layer 2 switch forwards frames using MAC addresses and doesn’t need an IP address to do its switching. Assigning an IP on a management interface lets administrators reach the switch from anywhere on the network—via SSH, Telnet, HTTPS/HTTP, SNMP, and other management tools—so it can be configured and monitored remotely. Broadcasting and receiving frames are handled at Layer 2 and don’t require an IP. Using a switch as a default gateway would require routing capabilities, which is not typical for a pure Layer 2 device.