How Does A Tree Topology Use A Switch

[Command Center]

Hi,

I just have a quick question about a tree topology and how it works with a switch.

If a tree topology is using a hub it will send that message to the backbone which will then send it to the other hubs and those hubs will send it to all the computers until a computer with the correct IP address accepts it.
However, if you use a switch in a tree topology and you want to send something to another computer in a different star network how will the switch in the sending computers star network know to send it out to the backbone of the bus to the other switch? I thought if a switch doesn't have the computers address it wont send it out and the data will just be deleted? Are special switches used in tree typologies?

I hope I explained that clearly, its was tricky to put it into word with all the jargon

 

[DeauteratedDog]

If a switch (multiport bridge) has seen a computers MAC address before, it remembers what port it came in on, and therefore knows what port to sent traffic to it on. If it has traffic for a computer that it doesn't know (has never seen before), it sends it to all ports.

As you say, hubs repeat all traffic to all ports all the time.

(I hope this wasn't a homework question)

 

[jsmithepa]

Really, that's what schools are teaching, 25 years old technology?