Why use Layer 3 switches and how do they differ from Layer 2 switches?
L3 Switches, Layer 2 switches, Layer 3 switches, Layer switching, Networking, Networking Equipment, Networking hardware, SDN
Why do we use Layer 3 (L3) switches, and how are they different from Layer 2 (L2) switches?
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ASKED:
January 26, 2009 10:06 PM
UPDATED:
February 26, 2013 6:59 PM
Answer Wiki:
Layer 3, or L3, switches forward packets based on Layer 3 address, which is IP address. Layer 2, or L2, switches forward packets based on data-link layer, which is MAC address. An L3 switch is basically used to efficiently route inter-VLAN traffic or to do internal routing between multiple broadcast domains while keeping Layer 2 features such as spanning tree and trunking.
Hope this helps.
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Agreed - Think of layer 3 switches as switches that have a routing function embeeded within themselves...
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Not much to add, sudhanshu was clear.
First is to understand difference between layer two and layer 3
dealing whith internal trafic is not routing but bridging, .. a learn and exchange mac’adressse table and Cam counteiners in each switch.
layer 3 is excusivly routing from a subnet to an other.
Layer 3 switch are you the same way as router, implementing Ospf for several site in a same company.
Router are use to connect a company network aver internet, and/or operators backbonne,
Layer 3 switch are dealing also with layer2 feature, such as Vlan, Stp, pcam sharing, ond so on.
regards