Final answer:
The false statement is that 'bridging tables are used by hubs'. Hubs are basic devices that do not store MAC addresses or make forwarding decisions, unlike switches that use bridging tables for such purposes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that is false among the options provided is: c. bridging tables are used by hubs. Here's why the other statements are true and false:
- a. Bridging tables associate interfaces (ports) and MAC addresses: This is true. Switches use bridging tables to maintain a database of MAC addresses and the corresponding port numbers to efficiently forward frames to the correct destination.
- b. Bridging tables are used by switches: This is also true. Switches use these tables for making forwarding decisions.
- d. Bridging tables are initially empty and are created by learning from traffic on the network: This statement is true as well. A switch's bridging table is built dynamically by observing the source MAC addresses of frames as they pass through the switch.
Hubs, on the other hand, do not use bridging tables. Hubs are simple devices that repeat incoming electrical signals to all other ports. They do not make any forwarding decisions based on MAC addresses, and thus, do not maintain a bridging table.