Layer 2 switch is one of
the basic devices that you need. As the diversity of network applications
increases and the implementation of converged networks grows.
Layer 3 switch, are thriving in both data centers, complicated enterprise networks, commercial applications, and even advanced customer projects.
Below is the brief discussion related to the Layer 2 vs Layer 3 Switch along with what are their differences?
Layer 3 switch, are thriving in both data centers, complicated enterprise networks, commercial applications, and even advanced customer projects.
Below is the brief discussion related to the Layer 2 vs Layer 3 Switch along with what are their differences?
Details of Layers 2 and 3 Switches
The Layers 2 and 3 are
defined at Open System Interconnect (OSI) model, which is a reference model for
describing and explaining network communications. The OSI model has seven
layers and all are defined with my previous blog so go through for more
discussion about that and among of that data link layer the Layer 2 and network
layer is is the Layer 3. The switches working in these layers are called Layer
2 switch and Layer 3 switch respectively.
The main difference between Layer 2 and
Layer 3 is the routing function. This is also the biggest difference lies
between Layer 2 switch and
Layer 3 switch.
Layer 2 switch works with MAC addresses only and does not care about IP address
or any items of higher layers. A Layer 3 switch, or multilayer switch, can do
all the job that a Layer 2 switch does. Additionally, it can do static routing
and dynamic routing. That means, a Layer 3 switch has both MAC address table
and IP routing table, and handles intra-VLAN communication and packets routing
between different VLANs as well. A switch that adds only static routing is
known as a Layer 2+ or Layer 3 Lite. Other than routing packets, Layer 3 switches also include some
functions that require the ability to understand the IP address information of
data entering the switch, such as tagging VLAN traffic based on IP address
instead of manually configuring a port. Layer 3 switches are increased in power
and security as demanded.
When lingering between Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches, you should think about where it will be used. If you have a pure Layer 2 domain, you can simply go for Layer 2 switch. A pure Layer 2 domain is where the hosts are connected, so a Layer 2 switch will work fine there. This is usually called access layer in a network topology. If you need the switch to aggregate multiple access switches and do inter-VLAN routing, then a Layer 3 switch is needed. This is known as the distribution layer in the network topology.
When lingering between Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches, you should think about where it will be used. If you have a pure Layer 2 domain, you can simply go for Layer 2 switch. A pure Layer 2 domain is where the hosts are connected, so a Layer 2 switch will work fine there. This is usually called access layer in a network topology. If you need the switch to aggregate multiple access switches and do inter-VLAN routing, then a Layer 3 switch is needed. This is known as the distribution layer in the network topology.
Conclusion
This blog
provides an information related to the differences of Layer 2 and Layer 3
Switch.
The comparison of their functions is also made, in the hope of solving the problem of deciding between these devices. It is not always the case that more advanced device is better, but it is right to choose the most appropriate one for your specific application.
The comparison of their functions is also made, in the hope of solving the problem of deciding between these devices. It is not always the case that more advanced device is better, but it is right to choose the most appropriate one for your specific application.