A Layer 2 switch is used to switch incoming frames from a 1000BASE-T port to a port connected to a 100Base-T network. Which method of memory buffering would work best for this task?
In this scenario, the best method of memory buffering for a Layer 2 switch would be FIFO (First-In First-Out) buffering.
FIFO buffering is a simple and efficient method where the switch stores incoming frames in a buffer and forwards them based on the order they arrived. This is suitable for the given situation because it ensures fairness by treating all frames equally and forwarding them in the order they were received.
Since the switch needs to switch frames from a higher-speed interface (1000BASE-T) to a lower-speed interface (100Base-T), buffering is necessary. FIFO buffering ensures that frames are transmitted in the same order they arrived, preventing reordering or dropping of frames due to speed differences.
Other buffering methods like priority queuing or weighted fair queuing are more suitable for scenarios where certain frames require higher priority or specific quality of service guarantees, which may not be necessary in this case.
Therefore, for switching frames from a 1000BASE-T port to a port connected to a 100Base-T network, FIFO buffering would be the most appropriate and efficient method.
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