Layer 2 switching makes intelligent forwarding decisions based on MAC
addresses. For example, if HostA is on port 1, and HostB is on port 2, and
HostA sends a packet for HostB, the switch will only pass the traffic
between those 2 ports (unless it's a broadcast).
Layer 3 switching is basically a Router. It makes intelligent forwarding
decisions based on the Network address, ie: IP address or IPX address. A
layer 3 switch is basically a router with a lot of ethernet ports. Those
ports can be divided up into VLANs and can route without the help of an
external router or Route Switch Module for the Catalyst swtich.
There is a lot of confusion out there about layer 3 switching, vendors will
brag about their product being able to do layer 3 switching etc.. Basically
all they mean is that their product has routing (intelligent forwarding of
layer 3 addresses) built into their box, without the use of an external
router or module!
Hope that helps!
Russ..
""kenny"" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
[EMAIL PROTECTED]">news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]...
> Hi all ,
> Anyone care to explain the difference between Layer 2 and Layer 3
switching ?
>
> Regards
> ken
>
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