CREST Practitioner Security Analyst (CPSA) Practice

What distinguishes a Switched Media LAN from a Shared Media LAN?

1. All stations share bandwidth equally

2. Bandwidth is dedicated to specific sender-receiver pairs

3. It is limited to wireless connections only

4. Notifications are broadcast to all stations

The correct answer is: Bandwidth is dedicated to specific sender-receiver pairs

In a Switched Media LAN, bandwidth is dedicated to specific sender-receiver pairs, allowing for more efficient communication. This is achieved through the use of switches that create direct connections between devices, which reduces collisions and maximizes performance. Each connection operates independently, meaning that multiple conversations can occur simultaneously without interference. In contrast, a Shared Media LAN involves all devices sharing a single communication medium, which can lead to bandwidth contention and potential delays, as all devices must take turns communicating over that medium. Therefore, the dedicated nature of connections in a Switched Media LAN significantly enhances network efficiency and reliability. The other options include aspects that do not accurately characterize the distinction between the two types of LANs. While some might suggest that all stations in a Shared Media LAN share bandwidth equally or that notifications are broadcast to all stations, these points do not highlight the critical feature of dedicated bandwidth for sender-receiver pairs that specifically defines a Switched Media LAN. The assertion that such networks are limited to wireless connections is also incorrect, as switched networks can operate effectively over wired connections.