What is a Multilayer Switch?

A multiLayer transfer is a Network Device that has the capability to operate at better layers of the OSI reference version, in contrast to the Data Link Layer (DLL) traditionally utilized by Switches. A multilayer transfer can perForm the Functions of a switch in addition to that of a Router at fairly speedy speeds. A switch historically inspects Frames, while a multilayer switch inspects deeper into the Protocol description uNit (at Packet or maybe at phase level). Multilayer switches use ASIC Hardware Circuits to carry out Routing features. This differs from regular routers, which are living on a Microprocessor and use applications running on it to perform their routing operations.

What Does Multilayer Switch Mean?

Traditionally, switches are the commUnity gadgets that Forward Data Packets based totally at the Layer 2 statistics like Media get admission to control (MAC) addresses. Routers ahead packets based totally on IP addresses. The router strips off the old Layer 2 Header, slaps on the new one and Queues the packet for transmission.

As multilayer Switching technology advanced, better stage features had been also delivered consisting of the capability to appearance deep inner packets for statistics that would resource inside the packet-forwarding sySTEM. Thus, multilayer switches became gadgets that have a look at Layer 2 via Layer 7.