Implementing and Operating Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies (ENCOR) — Question 460

In which two ways does TCAM differ from CAM? (Choose two.)

Answer options

• A. CAM is used to make Layer 2 forwarding decisions, and TCAM is used for Layer 3 address lookups.
• B. CAM is used by routers for IP address lookups, and TCAM is used to make Layer 2 forwarding decisions.
• C. CAM is used for software switching mechanisms, and TCAM is used for hardware switching mechanisms.
• D. The MAC address table is contained in TCAM, and ACL and QoS information is stored in CAM.
• E. The MAC address table is contained in CAM, and ACL and QoS information is stored in TCAM.

Correct answer: A, E

Explanation

Option A is correct because CAM is indeed used for Layer 2 operations, whereas TCAM is designed for Layer 3 lookups. Option E is also correct as CAM stores the MAC address table, while TCAM is used for ACL and QoS management. The other options incorrectly describe the functions and usages of CAM and TCAM.