Hemant Gambhir

• Jun 21st, 2007

 

Hi,
Well As far as my kniwledge is concerned. I am sorry to say but this question is wrong and the answer is mentioned below for the same.
Layer 3 switch does everything to a packet that a traditional router does:

• Determines forwarding path based on Layer 3 information
• Validates the integrity of the Layer 3 header via checksum
• Verifies packet expiration and updates accordingly
• Processes and responds to any option information
• Updates forwarding statistics in the Management Information Base (MIB)
• Applies security controls if required

Because it is designed to handle high-performance LAN traffic, a Layer 3 switch can be placed anywhere within a network core or backbone, easily and cost-effectively replacing the traditional collapsed backbone router. The Layer 3 switch communicates with the WAN router using industry-standard routing protocols like RIP and OSPF.

and if any body think that I am missing something or I don't know. So, please let me know.

Thanks in advance.

Karthik

• Jul 19th, 2007

 

Basically the L3 switches are used in the LAN networks, where you need the fast switching and there is no need of any WAN technologies(Frame-relay, atm etc ) or the features like Mcast, tunneling.

But in the case of Routers, they are connected to WAN networks where you need lot of funcationalites that are not usually not bundled with switches.

Thats why the Router costs atleast 10 time more than the L3 switch.

-Karthik, HCL-Cisco