What is SPAN used for in a network?

What is SPAN used for in a network?

• A. SPAN forwards traffic to all endpoints.
• B. SPAN blocks traffic for security.
• C. SPAN duplicates traffic from source ports to a mirror port for capture by a network analyzer.
• D. SPAN provides load balancing.

Answer: (C)

SPAN is about port mirroring. It configures a switch to copy traffic seen on one or more source ports to a designated destination port (the mirror port) so a network analyzer connected to that port can capture and inspect the traffic without affecting the live data paths. This is invaluable for troubleshooting, performance analysis, and security monitoring because you can see exactly what’s on the wire while normal traffic continues as usual. SPAN doesn’t forward copies to all endpoints, it doesn’t block or alter traffic, and it isn’t used for load balancing. (Some switches also offer extended forms like remote or encapsulated SPAN for mirroring across devices.)

SPAN is about port mirroring. It configures a switch to copy traffic seen on one or more source ports to a designated destination port (the mirror port) so a network analyzer connected to that port can capture and inspect the traffic without affecting the live data paths. This is invaluable for troubleshooting, performance analysis, and security monitoring because you can see exactly what’s on the wire while normal traffic continues as usual. SPAN doesn’t forward copies to all endpoints, it doesn’t block or alter traffic, and it isn’t used for load balancing. (Some switches also offer extended forms like remote or encapsulated SPAN for mirroring across devices.)