Switching Technologies

Correct Answer: Configure the switch ports to full-duplex mode

In the scenario described, if all the connected ports are utilizing half-duplex connectivity, the best change you can make as a network engineer would be to configure the switch ports to full-duplex mode. Full-duplex mode allows for simultaneous transmission and reception of data, essentially doubling the potential throughput and improving network performance. Additionally, full-duplex operation greatly reduces the occurrence of collision errors. On the other hand, replacing the switch with a Layer 3 device isn't directly related to the problem. Layer 3 refers to the network layer of the seven-layer OSI model and is typically related to routing tasks rather than duplex settings. Similarly, reconfiguring the VLAN configuration also doesn't directly address the issue, as VLAN configuration affects the network’s segmentation but not the duplex status of individual ports. Lastly, disabling the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is not appropriate, as STP is used to prevent network loops in local area networks and has no impact on the duplex settings of switch ports.

Correct Answer: Implement Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)

The best method to prevent broadcast storms within a network, which requires multiple switches, is to 'Implement Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)'. STP helps in preventing loops which are a common cause of broadcast storms on a network. Loops can be created when there are redundant paths between switches. STP works by disabling these redundant paths and enabling them only when there’s a link failure with the currently active path. The other methods mentioned, like 'Configure HSRP', 'Assign static IP addresses to all devices', and 'Divide the network into smaller VLANs' would not directly prevent broadcast storms. HSRP is a protocol that allows you to configure a standby router for network redundancy. Assigning static IP addresses can help with management and tracking but do not contribute to preventing broadcast storms. Dividing a network into smaller VLANs is beneficial for reducing traffic, optimizing performance and improving security but it does not necessarily prevent broadcast storms within the network.

Correct Answer: Configure a Layer 3 device to handle inter-VLAN routing

The best solution to allow inter-VLAN communication since switches in the new area are routers or multi-layer switches is to 'Configure a Layer 3 device to handle inter-VLAN routing'. This is because VLANs are isolated at layer 2, meaning they don't inherently communicate with each other. To allow communication between VLANs we need a Layer 3 device, typically a router or a layer 3 switch. 'Replacing the switches with Layer 2 devices' is not correct because Layer 2 devices alone can't handle inter-VLAN routing. 'Configuring trunk ports to use IP addresses' is also wrong, as using IP addresses on a trunk port is not needed for VLANs to communicate. Implementing STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) on the switches, while important for preventing network loops, won't directly help with inter-VLAN communication.