Acing the CCNA Exam, Volume 1

By learning MAC addresses from incoming frames and using a MAC address table to forward frames only to the correct port. [1] [2]

VLANs provide Layer 2 segmentation, allowing networks to be logically divided for improved security and efficiency. [1]

The Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) blocks redundant paths and elects a root bridge to ensure a loop-free topology. [1] [2]

RSTP provides faster convergence and introduces new port roles and states for quicker recovery from topology changes. [1] [2] [3]

Routers use routing tables and select paths based on metrics and administrative distance, favoring the lowest values. [1] [2]

OSPF uses a link-state database, supports hierarchical areas, and calculates the shortest path using cost metrics. [1] [2] [3]

IPv6 addresses the exhaustion of IPv4 addresses with a vastly larger address space and a new hexadecimal format. [1] [2] [3]

ACLs filter network traffic by permitting or denying packets based on source, destination, protocol, and port information. [1] [2] [3]

Subnetting divides a network into smaller segments, optimizing address usage and improving routing efficiency. [1] [2] [3]

FHRPs like HSRP, VRRP, and GLBP provide backup gateways so devices can maintain connectivity if the primary gateway fails. [1] [2]