200-901 Network Fundamentals Practice Question
A network administrator is configuring a switch and needs to ensure that devices connected to the same VLAN can communicate with each other. The administrator wants to verify that the switch is correctly forwarding frames within the VLAN. Which of the following best describes the switch's primary function in this scenario?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse the role of a Layer 2 switch with that of a router or a Layer 3 switch, which are required for inter-VLAN routing.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
It forwards frames based on MAC addresses within the same VLAN.
A switch's primary function is to forward frames based on MAC addresses within a VLAN. It learns source MAC addresses and builds a MAC address table, then forwards frames only to the port where the destination MAC is known, enabling efficient communication within the same VLAN while isolating traffic from other VLANs.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
It translates IP addresses to MAC addresses for communication.
Why it's wrong here
Translating IP addresses to MAC addresses is the function of ARP (Address Resolution Protocol), not the switch. The switch simply forwards frames based on MAC addresses; it does not perform any IP-to-MAC translation. ARP is used by end devices to discover the MAC address associated with an IP address.
- ✗
It routes packets between different VLANs using IP addresses.
Why it's wrong here
Routing between VLANs requires a Layer 3 device, such as a router or a Layer 3 switch. A standard Layer 2 switch does not perform IP routing; it only forwards frames within the same VLAN based on MAC addresses. Inter-VLAN communication requires a router or a multilayer switch.
- ✓
It forwards frames based on MAC addresses within the same VLAN.
Why this is correct
A switch operates at Layer 2 and forwards frames based on destination MAC addresses. Within a VLAN, it maintains a MAC address table and forwards frames only to the port where the destination MAC is known, thereby enabling communication between devices in the same VLAN while isolating traffic from other VLANs.
- ✗
It broadcasts all frames to every port to ensure delivery.
Why it's wrong here
Switches do not broadcast all frames to every port; they learn MAC addresses and forward frames only to the appropriate port. Broadcasting all frames would cause unnecessary traffic and collisions, defeating the purpose of a switch. Broadcasts are only sent to all ports within the same VLAN for specific frames like ARP requests.
Visual reference
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
This 200-901 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-901 exam.