What Is Multilayer Switch?

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It's hard to believe that a switch could be more than just a switch. The truth is that some controls are far more than just switches. They are multilayer switches. A switch is a network device that operates at the Data Link Layer of the OSI reference model. On the other hand, a multilayer switch can operate at higher layers of the OSI reference model. In other words, a multilayer switch can do more than inspect frames. It can also examine deeper into a protocol description unit (at the packet or segment level). Multilayer switches use ASIC hardware circuits to perform routing functions. It differs from typical routers, which reside on a microprocessor and use applications running on it to perform their routine operations. A switch, by definition, is a device that acts as a bridge between networks. It sends and receives frames at the Data Link Layer (DLL) and only looks at the header information to determine where the structure needs to go. A multilayer switch can perform the functions of both a switch and a router at much faster speeds than traditional routers because they use ASIC hardware circuits and not microprocessors. Multilayer switches inspect deeper into the protocol description unit (at packet or segment level) than standard buttons. The ability of a device to operate at higher layers of the OSI reference model makes it a multilayer switch, not just its ability to perform routine functions. The more you know that switches are like a delicious sandwich. Switches traditionally forward data packets based on Layer 2 information like media access control (MAC) addresses. Routers forward packets based on IP addresses. The router strips off the old Layer 2 header, slaps on the new one and queues the packet for transmission. What if we could do both? What if we had a device that could switch based on Layer 2 information and then add an IP header? That would be like two sandwiches in one! That's what a multilayer switch can do! A multilayer switch can support both switching and routing capabilities. You can build a network with one device instead of two, saving you money and space!

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Related Terms by Networking Solutions

New Enterprise Operating Model (NeoM)

The term New Enterprise Operating Model (NeoM) is a mouthful. To get forward in business IT, you need to know what it means—and why it matters. NeoM stands for "new enterprise operating model." It's a term that refers to the fundamental adaptation of companies to new IT realities. Aspects of NeoM involve reimagining the business platform, breaking down silos and diversifying services for business process automation and more. In other words, this is where your company goes from being able to do one thing (like make widgets) well to doing a whole bunch of things (like making widgets and also making waffles) well. It's important because it means you can offer more value to your customers—which will always be a good thing! It's not just enough to change the ways that businesses build platforms. A NeoM involves more. You need to use software like customer relationship management (CRM) systems and enterprise resource planning tools—not just any old CRM or ERP system, but ones designed for the modern age. It would be best to have more targeted analytics operations to support your business as you move forward. In short, NeoM isn't just about changing how you build platforms; it's about ensuring your entire business is built for today's world. NeoM is not new. It's an old idea that has existed for a long time but never really caught on. Now, NeoM is coming back in a big way and here's why: Experts talking about NeoM often talk about changing our ideas about a business platform. The idea is that traditional API-based structures are not the end solution and that other technologies can be added to provide a much more productive result. What does this mean? It means you can use NeoM to create your proprietary technology or modify existing technologies to get them working better for you!

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No-Email Initiatives

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Trending Definitions

Bus Mastering

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