Lab - View the Switch MAC Address Table
Topology
Addressing Table
Device Interface IP Address Subnet Mask
S1 VLAN 1 192.168.1.11 255.255.255.0
S2 VLAN 1 192.168.1.12 255.255.255.0
PC-A NIC 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0
PC-B NIC 192.168.1.2 255.255.255.0
Objectives
Part 1: Build and Configure the Network
Part 2: Examine the Switch MAC Address Table
Background / Scenario
The purpose of a Layer 2 LAN switch is to deliver Ethernet frames to host devices on the local network. The
switch records host MAC addresses that are visible on the network, and maps those MAC addresses to its
own Ethernet switch ports. This process is called building the MAC address table. When a switch receives a
frame from a PC, it examines the frame’s source and destination MAC addresses. The source MAC address
is recorded and mapped to the switch port from which it arrived. Then the destination MAC address is looked
up in the MAC address table. If the destination MAC address is a known address, then the frame is forwarded
out of the corresponding switch port associated with that MAC address. If the MAC address is unknown, then
the frame is broadcasted out of all switch ports, except the one from which it came. It is important to observe
and understand the function of a switch and how it delivers data on the network. The way a switch operates
has implications for network administrators whose job it is to ensure secure and consistent network
communication.
Switches are used to interconnect and deliver information to computers on local area networks. Switches
deliver Ethernet frames to host devices identified by network interface card MAC addresses.
In Part 1, you will build a multi-switch topology with a trunk linking the two switches. In Part 2, you will ping
various devices and observe how the two switches build their MAC address tables.
♥ 2013 - 2019 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Cisco Public Page 1 of 5 www.netacad.com
, Lab - View the Switch MAC Address Table
Note: The switches used are Cisco Catalyst 2960s with Cisco IOS Release 15.2(2) (lanbasek9 image). Other
switches and Cisco IOS versions can be used. Depending on the model and Cisco IOS version, the
commands available and output produced might vary from what is shown in the labs.
Note: Make sure that the switches have been erased and have no startup configurations. If you are unsure
contact your instructor.
Required Resources
● 2 Switches (Cisco 2960 with Cisco IOS Release 15.2(2) lanbasek9 image or comparable)
● 2 PCs (Windows with terminal emulation program, such as Tera Term)
● Console cables to configure the Cisco IOS devices via the console ports
● Ethernet cables as shown in the topology
Note: The Fast Ethernet interfaces on Cisco 2960 switches are autosensing and an Ethernet straight-through
cable may be used between switches S1 and S2. If using another model Cisco switch, it may be necessary to
use an Ethernet crossover cable.
Instructions
Part 1: Build and Configure the Network
Step 1: Cable the network according to the topology.
Step 2: Configure PC hosts.
Step 3: Initialize and reload switches as necessary.
Step 4: Configure basic settings for each switch.
Open configuration window
a. Configure device name as shown in the topology.
b. Configure IP address as listed in Addressing Table.
c. Assign cisco as the console and vty passwords.
d. Assign class as the privileged EXEC password.
Close configuration window
Part 2: Examine the Switch MAC Address Table
A switch learns MAC addresses and builds the MAC address table, as network devices initiate
communication on the network.
Step 1: Record network device MAC addresses.
a. Open a command prompt on PC-A and PC-B and type ipconfig /all.
Open Windows command prompt
Question:
What are the Ethernet adapter physical addresses?
PC-A MAC Address:
00D0.9783.3460
♥ 2013 - 2019 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Cisco Public Page 2 of 5 www.netacad.com
Topology
Addressing Table
Device Interface IP Address Subnet Mask
S1 VLAN 1 192.168.1.11 255.255.255.0
S2 VLAN 1 192.168.1.12 255.255.255.0
PC-A NIC 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0
PC-B NIC 192.168.1.2 255.255.255.0
Objectives
Part 1: Build and Configure the Network
Part 2: Examine the Switch MAC Address Table
Background / Scenario
The purpose of a Layer 2 LAN switch is to deliver Ethernet frames to host devices on the local network. The
switch records host MAC addresses that are visible on the network, and maps those MAC addresses to its
own Ethernet switch ports. This process is called building the MAC address table. When a switch receives a
frame from a PC, it examines the frame’s source and destination MAC addresses. The source MAC address
is recorded and mapped to the switch port from which it arrived. Then the destination MAC address is looked
up in the MAC address table. If the destination MAC address is a known address, then the frame is forwarded
out of the corresponding switch port associated with that MAC address. If the MAC address is unknown, then
the frame is broadcasted out of all switch ports, except the one from which it came. It is important to observe
and understand the function of a switch and how it delivers data on the network. The way a switch operates
has implications for network administrators whose job it is to ensure secure and consistent network
communication.
Switches are used to interconnect and deliver information to computers on local area networks. Switches
deliver Ethernet frames to host devices identified by network interface card MAC addresses.
In Part 1, you will build a multi-switch topology with a trunk linking the two switches. In Part 2, you will ping
various devices and observe how the two switches build their MAC address tables.
♥ 2013 - 2019 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Cisco Public Page 1 of 5 www.netacad.com
, Lab - View the Switch MAC Address Table
Note: The switches used are Cisco Catalyst 2960s with Cisco IOS Release 15.2(2) (lanbasek9 image). Other
switches and Cisco IOS versions can be used. Depending on the model and Cisco IOS version, the
commands available and output produced might vary from what is shown in the labs.
Note: Make sure that the switches have been erased and have no startup configurations. If you are unsure
contact your instructor.
Required Resources
● 2 Switches (Cisco 2960 with Cisco IOS Release 15.2(2) lanbasek9 image or comparable)
● 2 PCs (Windows with terminal emulation program, such as Tera Term)
● Console cables to configure the Cisco IOS devices via the console ports
● Ethernet cables as shown in the topology
Note: The Fast Ethernet interfaces on Cisco 2960 switches are autosensing and an Ethernet straight-through
cable may be used between switches S1 and S2. If using another model Cisco switch, it may be necessary to
use an Ethernet crossover cable.
Instructions
Part 1: Build and Configure the Network
Step 1: Cable the network according to the topology.
Step 2: Configure PC hosts.
Step 3: Initialize and reload switches as necessary.
Step 4: Configure basic settings for each switch.
Open configuration window
a. Configure device name as shown in the topology.
b. Configure IP address as listed in Addressing Table.
c. Assign cisco as the console and vty passwords.
d. Assign class as the privileged EXEC password.
Close configuration window
Part 2: Examine the Switch MAC Address Table
A switch learns MAC addresses and builds the MAC address table, as network devices initiate
communication on the network.
Step 1: Record network device MAC addresses.
a. Open a command prompt on PC-A and PC-B and type ipconfig /all.
Open Windows command prompt
Question:
What are the Ethernet adapter physical addresses?
PC-A MAC Address:
00D0.9783.3460
♥ 2013 - 2019 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Cisco Public Page 2 of 5 www.netacad.com
