Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Practice Exam

In a VLAN configuration, what does the term "broadcast domain" refer to?

1. A network segment where all devices can link directly

2. The limitation of the number of simultaneous transmissions

3. A segment defined by logical separating of broadcast packets

4. The physical location of a device in a network

The correct answer is: A segment defined by logical separating of broadcast packets

The term "broadcast domain" refers to a segment defined by the logical separation of broadcast packets. In networking, a broadcast domain is the area of a network within which broadcast frames are transmitted. When a device sends a broadcast frame, all devices within the same broadcast domain receive that frame, while devices outside of that domain do not. This is crucial in preventing unnecessary traffic from overwhelming the network, as broadcasts can consume bandwidth and processing resources. In a VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network), logical segmentation allows different VLANs to operate as separate broadcast domains, meaning broadcasts sent on one VLAN will not be received by devices on another VLAN. This enhances network efficiency and security by isolating traffic within VLANs. So, when discussing broadcast domains in the context of VLANs, it's important to understand that they are established through the logical separation of broadcast traffic, enabling organized network communication and management.