multilayer switch

pannupandit

can Anybody tell me what is the basic diference between multilayer switch and a router.

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EdTheLad

The basic difference is the multilayer switch can route at wire speed,the layer 3 routing table is downloaded into the layer 2 asics which provide fast switching of the packets.

pizzafart

Yes Ed is right.

If you want a different flavor of essentially the same answer:

The difference between a multilayer switch and a router is that the switch can do what the router can but with higher throughput and less latency. Multilayer switches are more expensive than routers.

Also, there are some multi-layer "aware" switches that can perform certain layer three features (e.g. ACL's) but come short of actually being able to run routing protocols.

Finally, you have your good old layer 2 switches that don't know about anying other than electrical signals and frames.

Warning: sometimes the term multi-layer switching is used loosly. I've heard some folks use "multilayer" when referring to what I described as a "multilayer-aware" switch.

keenon

also to add

routers connects dis-similar networks example frame-relay, dsl, isdn and ect. convert it to ethernet

(there are modules for chassis based switches that can terminate these types of circuits)

thisisalex02

ok so would a 3560 be absoutely neccesary for a ccnp lab? I currently have a 3640,two 2503's (one gonna be set up as dedicated FR switch), a 1924 (oh man thats funny), and a 2924. For sure im gonna get two 2950's and a 2621, but would a layer three switch be mandatory for ccnp lab?

thisisalex02

surely someone can help me out here....

mikej412

thisisalex02 wrote:

but would a layer three switch be mandatory for ccnp lab?

If you don't have the money (or don't want to spend the money) -- then no.

You turn the switch port into a router port.... so you should have the router commands covered practicing with your real routers.

If you hit something in your study (or the blueprint changes) that makes it sound like you may miss something without the hands on.... grab the cheapest time slot you can find at an online rack.