Layer 3 Switch

Layer 3 Switch

Layer 3 Switch is a high performing device used for network routing. Layer 3 switches are in actuality very similar to normal routers, and as such, they can support much of the same routing protocols.

They both look similar and they both inspect incoming data packets and make necessary routing decisions based upon source and destination addresses.

Layer 3 switches were originally conceived of for the purpose of improving on the performance of routers utilized in local area networks (LAN) such as corporate intranets.

The main difference between Layer 3 switches and routers is that some of the software present is routers is replaced by hardware in the layer 3 switches in order to ameliorate specific functions.

They also cost significantly less and they typically do not have any wide area network ports (WAN).