What is the first step when a host sends data to a server on the same VLAN for the first time?

When a host sends data to a server on the same VLAN for the first time, the process begins with the switch adding the source MAC address of the host to its MAC address table. This step is crucial because the MAC address table enables the switch to intelligently forward frames only to the appropriate ports, enhancing the efficiency of network traffic management.

When a frame is sent, the switch examines the source MAC address that comes from the host and records it along with the corresponding port number. This helps the switch remember where to send future frames destined for that specific MAC address. By populating its MAC address table in this manner, the switch can reduce unnecessary flooding of frames and improve overall network performance.

This understanding is foundational to how Layer 2 switching operates within a VLAN. The actions taken by the switch ensure that it can forward traffic efficiently in subsequent communications, minimizing the need for broadcasts and enhancing the speed of packet delivery within the network.