Switch vs. Router

Essentially, in a multi-layer switch, the layer 3 functionality (and other the upper layer capabilities) are deployed in ASICs to attain wire speed at those layers. There are some other minor differences in capabilities, but generally a layer 3 capable switch is configured very similarly to a router to take advantage of the layer 3 functionality.

FWIW, Robert

Reply to
Bob by the Bay
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To all the Cisco Experts.

What is the difference between a router and a layer 3 switch?

Reply to
nich326

Let's try the simple answer and see if you need more:

A (plain) router doesn't have the ability to make the rapid and temporary physical/electrical connections that (any of) the switches make.

A layer three switch, commonly called a switch-router, is a switch which uses routing protocols and methods to decide which connections to actually make.

(As opposed to a layer-2 or bridge type router which typically uses MAC addresses to make such decisions.)

A router (switch or not) is always (network) protocol specific and uses the logical address and the specific routing protocols of that network protocol to make decisions.

If someone points at a device and says, "This router is NOT protocol specific since it routers some/all of IP, IPX, AppleTalk etc..." then notice that for EACH of these network protocols the routing is done separately, using the logical (e.g., IP) address of that protocol and the routing protocols and methods specific to that network protocol.

Reply to
Herb Martin

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