Understanding Switches:
Layer 2 (Data Link Layer): Traditional switches operate primarily at Layer 2, where they use MAC addresses to forward frames within a local network.
Layer 3 (Network Layer): Layer 3 switches, also known as multilayer switches, can perform routing functions using IP addresses to forward packets between different networks.
Capabilities of Multilayer Switches:
VLANs and Inter-VLAN Routing: Multilayer switches can handle VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) configurations and perform inter-VLAN routing, enabling communication between different VLANs.
Routing Protocols: They can run routing protocols like OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) and EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol) to manage traffic between networks.
Comparison with Other Devices:
Hub: Operates only at Layer 1 (Physical Layer) and simply repeats incoming signals to all ports.
Transceiver: Also operates at Layer 1, converting electrical signals to optical signals and vice versa.
Modem: Primarily operates at Layer 1 and Layer 2, modulating and demodulating signals for transmission over different types of media.
Practical Application:
Multilayer switches are commonly used in enterprise networks to optimize performance and manage complex routing and switching requirements within a single device.
Reference:
CompTIA Network+ study materials on network devices and the OSI model.