We explain that what is the difference between Layer 2 switch and Layer 3 switch? with definition and detail. In addition: In tabular form. Switches are devices that enable the transport, routing, and routing of data. They were initially introduced as advanced solutions for hubs.
Switches are used to connect and transport data packets from one domain to another, or sometimes from one network to another, depending on which switch is used. Layer 2 switch and Layer 3 switch also serve the same purpose, although Layer 3 switch can be considered the modified version of Layer 2 switches.
Layer 2 switch uses MAC address and is used to manage network traffic very efficiently. The main purpose of this switch is to change the data. They route the data from the source to the destination port.
The L-3 switch is used for both routing and switching and therefore uses the IP address instead of the MAC address. They are mainly used to implement VLANs. This also helps simplify security management.
the difference is the L-2 switch can only perform data switching, while the L-3 switch can perform both switching and routing data.
Comparison Table
Comparison parameters
| Operating system | MAC address | IP adress |
| Function | Route data from source to destination | Routes and switches data packets using IP address |
| Utility | It is used to manage the traffic network. | It is mainly used to implement VLAN |
| Velocity | It’s fast. | It is slower than Layer 2 switch |
| Domain | Single broadcast domain | Multicast domain |
| Communication between networks | It only allows communication within the network | You can also transport data to other networks |
| cost | Low cost | Expensive |
What is the Layer 2 switch?
The L-2 switch uses the MAC address. This transports the data packets to different domains within the same network. It changes the data destination port and does not route the data.
The Layer 2 switch also filters the data and allows you to go through only the switches that are needed.
They are primarily responsible for transporting data and performing error checks on the data that is transmitted. Data is transported on a physical level.
Layer 2 switches are used to manage traffic in production VLANs and other networks. It uses hardware techniques to switch, connect, and transmit data.
They are quick to touch and change data, as they do not need to search other networks or network layers.
What is the Layer 3 switch?
The L-3 switch, unlike the L-2 switch, does not use the MAC address, but uses the IP address. Therefore, they can perform both routing and switching. They can perform Layer 2 switch functions together with advanced functions of their own.
When a device is connected to other domains or subnets, it functions as a switch. When it supports routing protocols and inspects incoming data packets, it works like a router.
Since they provide network layer and data link layer facilities together, this device is cost effective. Its basic utility is for implementing VLANs and it also helps to simplify security management.
They have multiple streaming domains. They can also facilitate communication between networks and this is possible as they perform routing and switching. Because they have to look at different domains and networks, they are comparatively slow.
They are also known as a multilayer switch, as it works on different layers of data. They are mainly used in the distribution layer and the central layer. Although a Layer 3 switch is expensive, it is the smart choice as it also provides the Layer 2 switch function.
Key Differences
- The operating directions used by the two switches are different. The L-2 switch uses the MAC address, while the L-3 switch uses the IP address.
- Since they have a different operating direction, they also allow a difference in the operation of the switches. While the Layer 2 switch only performs the switching operation, the Layer 3 switch performs both the switching and routing of the data.
- The difference in the functions also results in a difference in their profits. Layer 2 switch is used to manage and control traffic in network implementation as LAN, while Layer 3 switch implements networks as VLAN and simplifies security management.
- Layer 2 switch is comparatively faster than Layer 3 switches. This is because Layer 2 switch needs to perform only one switching function and does not need to cross-check with other domains or wait for other networks. These functions need to be performed by a Layer 3 switch and therefore it is slow.
- The Layer 2 switch is a single broadcast domain, while the Layer 3 switch is a multicast domain.
- Since the Layer 2 switch only allows data to be routed from the source to the destination, it does not allow inter-network communication, whereas the functions performed by the Layer 3 switch require it to perform inter-network communication.
- A Layer 3 switch is comparatively more expensive than a Layer 2 switch. But this is due to the added functions and the fact that the Layer 3 switch also includes the functions performed by the Layer 2 switch makes it the choice. smartest.
Final Thought
The switch is a device that allows the transport, switching and routing of data packets. The switches connect to a specific address, such as the MAC address or the IP address, and allow them to perform their functions.
Layer 2 switch and Layer 3 switches are also such devices and can also be classified as a router without the LAN connection.
The Layer 2 switch connects to the MAC address and carries data from the source to the destination domain. This switch does not allow communication between networks and also has a single broadband domain.
The Layer 3 switch connects to the IP address of the network and performs routing and switching. Since they route data, they can communicate between networks and therefore have multiple broadband domains.
L-3 switch can be said to be advanced and is an improved version of L-2 switches.
