A Layer 3 switch combines the high-speed forwarding capability of a Layer 2 switch with the routing intelligence of a router. It can forward frames based on MAC addresses inside the same local network, and it can also route packets based on IP addresses between different network. In this lesson, we examine the network devices that operate at Layer 3 of the OSI model. Why do we need a network router?I have a couple of options to connect the 3750 (Distribution layer) switch and 3650 switch (access layer), which are: 1. The access layer plays a critical role in connecting end devices—such as computers, printers, IP phones, and wireless access points—to the rest of the enterprise. A 5-Minute Guide for Network Engineers A Layer 3 switch (also called a multilayer switch) is a purpose-built hardware device that blends features of a traditional Layer 2 switch and a router.
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