Table of content

Switches are an essential part of any network and without considering a switch you cannot consider a networking ecosystem or connectivity between devices. With the rapid change in the field of information technology, administrators have to keep their eye on the switch that can suit their networking infrastructure well. In this blog, we will delve into layer 2 and later 4 switches as they are the most considerable and used networking devices nowadays. We will look upon their definitions, differences, and features to guide you through the ins and outs of switches to make you choose the best one for you.

What are Layer 2 and Layer 3 Switches?

An Overview:

The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model serves as a fundamental framework to understand and describe network communications. At its core, the OSI model contains seven layers, each responsible for specific functions in the transmission and reception of data. These layers are the application layer, presentation layer, session layer, transport layer, network layer, data link layer, and physical layer. Among these layers, Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) and Layer 3 (Network Layer) are addressed and handled by specialized switches known as Layer 2 switches and Layer 3 switches.

Layer Switch:

Layer 2 switches are typically responsible for switching that happens at the data link layer. A layer 2 switch basically uses a MAC address to redirect data from a source port to its final destination. These switches can also be referred to as multi-port bridges as they utilize hardware switching to handle a huge amount of data within a single network segment or among devices (LAN). In most cases, a layer 2 switch uses an ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) table to commence a network communication. It uses a switching mechanism to forward and receive data packets between network components that are really linked to one another. Besides, a layer 2 switch can communicate in unicast, multicast, and broadcast mode having full duplex transmission.

Layer 3 Switch:

A Layer 3 switch transmits and processes data using the IP address of the source or destination and is operated at the network layer or Layer 3. These switches are totally to layer 2 switches regarding their functions and responsibilities. A layer 3 switch is capable of performing all the responsibilities of a layer 2 switch with static and dynamic routing in layer 3. Such specialties suggest that a layer 2 switch can perform at layer 2 as well as layer and can send packets using IP table along with ARP tables, among multiple network segments or subnets and various virtual LANs (VLANs).

Difference Between Layer 2 and Layer 3 Switches:

Layer 2 switches and Layer 3 switches

Now, as we have learned about Layer 2 switches and Layer 3 switches along with their key information and basic functions, it the point where we should mention some in-depth points that set them apart from one another. So, let’s start reading about layer 2 vs layer 3 switch from here:

Switching and routing:

  • In layer 2 switches, Switching operates at layer 2 of the OSI reference model, where packets are redirected to the final destination through MAC addresses. It suggests that layer 2 switches do only switching.
  • In contrast, Layer 3 switches are particular hardware devices that enable packet routing using IP addresses. That means layer 3 switches do just routing.

Features:

  • A layer 2 switch can only switch packets from one port to another.
  • In contrast, a layer 3 switch can both switch and route at the same time.
  • In layer 2 switches devices can communicate within the same network.
  • Whereas, In Layer 3 switching, devices can easily communicate outside and inside the network.

MAC and IP address:

  • The Layer 2 switch uses the MAC address of the device to redirect packets from the source port to the destination port.
  • Instead, Layer 3 switches use IP addresses to connect the individual subnets together through a special routing protocol or IP address.

Application:

  • Layer 2 switching is hardware based means it uses an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) to maintain the MAC address table.
  • Switches and bridges use Layer 2 switching like a typical LAN, which divides a large domain into multiple smaller domains.
  • Switches use a process called Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) to determine the MAC addresses of other devices.
  • On the other hand, Layer 3 switches are modern combinations of switches and routers, typically used for routing within virtual LANs (VLANs).

Speed:

  • Switches operating at layer 2 switches typically take less time than switches operating at layer 3 or layer 3 switches.
  • All a layer 2 switch does is assign MAC addresses to reverse packets from source ports to destination. Conversely, a Layer 2 switch takes some time in comparison layer 2 switch to inspect the packet before it can find the best route to send the packet to its destination port.

A Quick Comparison Layer 2 vs Layer 3 Switch:

layer 2 vs layer 3

After reading the above-discussed paragraphs, you must have learned a lot. But, it is of huge importance to look at the following table to understand the key differences layer 2 switch vs layer 3.

Layer 2 Switches Layer 3 Switches
Layer 2 switches are more cost-effective than layer 3 switches, making them a better choice for small to medium-sized organizations with limited network segments and complexity. Layer 3 switches are comparatively more expensive and can lay a strain on a small to medium-sized organization’s IT budget.
Layer 2 switches are simple to set up and manage without much requirement for advanced configurations. This makes them an ideal choice for small organizations just setting up their network. Layer 3 switches require advanced configurations to set up and manage. This makes them difficult to adapt to smaller or newer networks.
Layer 2 switches offer limited to no routing capabilities within network segments such as VLANs. Layer 3 switches offer routing between different network segments.
High-speed data transfer within network segments. High-speed data transfer between different network segments.
Layer 2 switches by default do not have built-in security features, making them vulnerable to security threats such as ARP spoofing attacks. Layer 3 switches have built-in security features, such as access control lists, that can help protect your network from security threats.
Layer 2 switches do not offer any QoS services to enable effective packet switching. The QoS capability offered by layer 3 switches allows you to prioritize different types of network traffic to ensure that critical applications receive the bandwidth they need.

Conclusion:

Choosing the best switch according to your network’s needs is a crucial decision and many network administrators cannot make a wise choice. Lucky you are to have reached us at the right time. Now, you can learn the specialties of both the layer 2 switch and layer 3 along with the difference between them. Thus, it is no longer a tough task to decide which way you should go. If you need any further help or want to shop Cisco Switches, Ruckus Switches, SMB Switches, or Industrial Ethernet Switches, place your order at Buyrouterswitch.