Multilayer Switch
By Stephen Bucaro
A network switch operates at layer 2, the data link layer of the OSI
model. It records the MAC (Media Access Control) addresses of the devices attached
to its ports. When a frame is received intended for a device connected to one of
its ports, it sends that frame only to that device, thereby reducing network traffic.
A multilayer switch also works at layer 3, the network layer of the
OSI model. That's why a multilayer switch is sometimes called a layer 3 switch.
At layer 3, data is encapsulated into packets containing the destination IP
address. This allows the switch to also perform routing between subnets, which further
optimizes network traffic.
The term multilayer means the switch operates at multiple layers of the OSI
Model. Today there are multilayer switches that use information in layer 4 segments and
protocol data units all the way up to layer 6 of the OSI model.
More Networking Topologies Articles:
• What Are Fiber Optic Attenuators?
• A Guide to Broadband Internet Connections
• Overview of IEEE 802.11 Wireless Lan Technology
• Data Center Management Best Practices
• The IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Standards
• Network Topologies
• Introduction to ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) Networks
• Computer Network Routers, Hubs, and Switches
• Wireless Network Vlans - How to Implement Wireless Vlans
• Ethernet Network
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