CCNA Anki Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Prep Resource

The Source MAC Address in an Ethernet frame serves the critical function of identifying the sender of that frame. Each device on a local area network (LAN) has a unique MAC (Media Access Control) address that allows other devices on the same network segment to know where the frame originated. When a device sends out a frame, it populates the Source MAC Address field with its own MAC address, enabling the recipient to recognize who sent the frame.

This identification is important for several reasons. First, it facilitates the establishment of two-way communication; if the destination device wants to respond, it can refer back to the Source MAC Address to know where to send its response. Second, it plays a key role in detecting and managing network issues, as network administrators can monitor traffic and pinpoint devices that may be malfunctioning or misbehaving.

While the other options address different aspects of networking, they do not accurately represent the primary function of the Source MAC Address. Identifying the destination of the frame refers to the Destination MAC Address, which is a different field in the Ethernet frame. Network management protocols and frame processing are related to broader networking concepts but do not specifically pertain to the role of the Source MAC Address. Therefore, the identification of the sender is the cle