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What is the main objective of a loopback test?

  1. To verify network speed

  2. To check the integrity of a communication pathway

  3. To manage MAC addresses

  4. To route network traffic

The correct answer is: To check the integrity of a communication pathway

The primary objective of a loopback test is to check the integrity of a communication pathway. This test is crucial in networking as it helps to determine whether the hardware and software involved in the connection are functioning correctly. When a loopback test is executed, data is sent from a device to itself. If the device receives the data back as expected, it confirms that the communication pathway—whether it be between a computer and a network interface card (NIC) or any other network device—is working optimally. This can assist in diagnosing issues in the network by confirming that the transmission protocols are operational and that there are no problems related to the hardware that would prevent data from being sent and received correctly. Other choices are less relevant to the specific goal of a loopback test. While managing MAC addresses and routing network traffic are essential functions in networking, they do not pertain to the evaluation of a specific connection's integrity, which is the focus of the loopback test. Similarly, verifying network speed, although important, falls outside the scope of what a loopback test is designed to assess.