The source MAC address in the Ethernet header is used to populate the bridging table (also called the MAC address table) on a switch. When a frame arrives at a switch, the switch examines the source MAC address and records it along with the ingress port in its MAC address table.
Step-by-Step Breakdown:
Learning Process:
When an Ethernet frame arrives on a switch port, the switch looks at the source MAC address and adds this MAC address to the MAC table along with the port it was received on. This process is called MAC learning.
Purpose:
The switch uses this information to determine the correct port to send frames destined for that MAC address in future transmissions, thus ensuring efficient Layer 2 forwarding.
Juniper Reference:
Ethernet Switching: Juniper switches use source MAC addresses to build and maintain the MAC address table, which is essential for Layer 2 switching.