Switch forwards frames from source to destination by using the device’s destination mac address.The major characteristics of the switch are enumerated as. I will discuss in details layer 2 and layer 3 switches in the later section of the article. The layer 3 switches can operate at layer 2 as well as layer 3 of the OSI model. However, the switch can be layer 2 or layer 3 depending on their roles and functionalities. That is why it is also called a layer 2 device. It is the network component that forwards data frames from source to destination on the basis of the device’s mac address.īasically ethernet switch operates at layer 2 of the OSI model. The network switch is also popularly known as an ethernet switch or a LAN switch. Let us first understand what is network switch, its different types, comparison between layer 2 and layer 3 switches, Ethernet frame format, concept of mac address and so on. The basic concept of layer 2 and the layer 3 switches are included CCNA 200-301 syllabus in the Network Fundamentals module.īefore diving into the rolls of layer 2 and layer 3 switches. This section will explain the roles and the functionalities of layer 2 and layer 3 switches in networking. Ethernet Frame Structure and Field Size.Comparison between Layer 2 and Layer 3 Switches in Networking.Characteristics of switch in networking.

First 3 octets of cisco mac address