Routing And Switching Questions
The main difference between layer 2 and layer 3 switches lies in their functionality and the scope of their operations.
Layer 2 switches operate at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model and are primarily responsible for forwarding data packets based on the MAC addresses. They use MAC address tables to make forwarding decisions and are commonly used for creating local area networks (LANs). Layer 2 switches are efficient in forwarding data within a LAN but lack the capability to route traffic between different networks.
On the other hand, layer 3 switches operate at the network layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model and have the ability to perform routing functions. They can make forwarding decisions based on both MAC addresses and IP addresses. Layer 3 switches have built-in routing capabilities, allowing them to route traffic between different networks or subnets. They use routing tables to determine the best path for forwarding packets.
In summary, layer 2 switches are primarily used for LAN connectivity and operate at the data link layer, while layer 3 switches have routing capabilities and can connect multiple networks or subnets by operating at the network layer.