Remember SPAN
Full name: Switched Port Analyzer
Memory aid: Switch Ports send copies to an Analyzer.
Mirrored traffic can exceed destination capacity and lose packets.
Study area: Network architecture & switching · Batch 7
Relevant study for: CompTIA Network+ N10-009 · Cisco CCNA 200-301 · CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 · ISC2 CISSP 2024 outline
Practice with exam flashcards →Networking & Connectivity / Knowledge library
SPAN — Switched Port Analyzer
Mirrors selected switch traffic to a monitoring destination.
Why learn SPAN — Switched Port Analyzer?
Mirrors selected switch traffic to a monitoring destination.
Where it came from
Mirrored traffic can exceed destination capacity and lose packets.
- Memory aid (a learning cue, not the expansion): Switch Ports send copies to an Analyzer.
Build your understanding
Work through these exercises in order. Try the task before opening a reference.
- Without looking, expand SPAN: Switched Port Analyzer.
- Recall this memory aid: Switch Ports send copies to an Analyzer.
- Explain the practical use: Mirrors selected switch traffic to a monitoring destination.
- Explain this distinction: Mirrored traffic can exceed destination capacity and lose packets.
- Identify SPAN in a device specification, architecture diagram, or system inventory.
Documentation and sources
- Cisco Switched Port Analyzer configuration (www.cisco.com)