How does layer 3 switching work

The next parameter is the backplane bandwidth or switch fabric capacity, which is the sum of speeds of all ports. The sum of speeds of all ports are counted twice, one for Tx direction and one for Rx direction. So the backplane bandwidth for SS2Q is:. Other important parameters are number of VLANs that can be configured. Latency is the delay time that a data transfer suffers.

It requires to be as short as possible, so the latency is usually expressed in nanosecond ns. This post has explained the differences of Layer 2 vs Layer 3 Switch. The comparison of their functions is also made, in the hope of solving the problem of deciding between these devices. Also key parameters for measuring a Layer 2 or Layer 3 switch are also discussed. 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.

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Lavanya Rathnam October 5, What is a layer 3 switch? Features of a layer 3 switch The features of a layer 3 switch are: Comes with 24 Ethernet ports, but no WAN interface. Acts as a switch to connect devices within the same subnet.

Switching algorithm is simple and is the same for most routed protocols. Performs on two OSI layers — layer 2 and layer 3. Purpose of a layer 3 switch There is a ton of confusion about the use of a layer 3 switch because in a traditional setup, routers operate at layer 3 of the OSI model while switches operate at layer 2. Post Views: 90, Featured Links. Mike R December 20, at pm. Lavanya Rathnam January 21, at am. Anon December 30, at am. Jimmy James January 11, at pm. DR K February 7, at pm.

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I understand that by submitting this form my personal information is subject to the TechGenix Privacy Policy. The most trusted on the planet by IT Pros. It does not know the unique MAC address however, until it discovers it through an ARP, which is broadcasted throughout the layer 2 segment:. It then sends the packet to the appropriate destination MAC address which the switch will then forward out the correct port based on its MAC-Address-Table. Within a layer 2 switch environment exists a broadcast domain.

Any broadcast traffic on a switch will be forwarded out all ports with the exception of the port the broadcast packet arrived on.

Broadcasts are contained in the same layer 2 segment, as they do not traverse past a layer 3 boundary. Large layer 2 broadcast domains can be susceptible to certain unintended problems, such as broadcast storms, which have the ability to cause network outages. Also, it may be preferable to separate certain clients into different broadcast domains for security and policy reasons.

This is when it becomes useful to configure VLANs.