What problem arises when too many MAC addresses are introduced to a CAM table?

When too many MAC addresses are introduced to a Content Addressable Memory (CAM) table, it leads to MAC Address Overflow. The CAM table, which is a data structure used by switches to efficiently map MAC addresses to the corresponding ports, has a finite capacity. When this limit is exceeded, the switch cannot store any new MAC addresses.

As a result, the switch may enter a state where it cannot accurately forward packets to their intended destinations. In such situations, unrecognized MAC addresses are treated as broadcasts, leading to increased network traffic and a potential bottleneck. This can further cause network performance degradation and security concerns, as legitimate traffic might not reach its destination efficiently.

Therefore, the concept of MAC Address Overflow emphasizes the importance of managing network size and implementing strategies such as VLAN segmentation or network monitoring to ensure that the CAM table does not exceed its capacity.