Difference between layer-2 and layer-3 switches - GeeksforGeeks
Jul 11, 2025 · What is a Layer-2 Switch? A Layer-2 switch works at the Data Link layer or Layer 2 of the OSI reference model. It especially utilizes MAC addresses to direct information packets between …
Layer 2 Switch - How it operates, when to use it | NETWORK …
Aug 20, 2022 · Layer 2 Switch is a form of Ethernet switch that switches packets by looking at their physical addresses (MAC addresses). These switches operate at the data-link layer (or layer 2) of …
Layer 2 vs Layer 3 Switch: What's the Difference? | Auvik
Oct 23, 2024 · Compare Layer 2 and Layer 3 network switches and learn when to use each one to create a properly functioning network
Understanding Layer 2 Switches: A Comprehensive Guide
Sep 7, 2024 · A Layer 2 switch is a network device that operates at the Data Link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model. It uses MAC (Media Access Control) addresses to forward data between devices on the …
What Is a Layer 2 Managed Switch and When Should You Use One?
Sep 1, 2025 · MAC address learning allows a Layer 2 switch to efficiently forward traffic. When devices send frames, the switch records the source MAC addresses and the ports they are connected to …
What Is a Layer 2 Switch? Features, Benefits, and Use Cases
Layer 2 switches are essential for Local Area Networks (LANs), enabling smooth communication and efficient data traffic management. This guide breaks down the technical details, functions, and …
Layer 2 vs. Layer 3 Switching: Network Layers Explained | RAD
Jan 30, 2025 · Major Layer 2 switching applications: Layer 2 switching is highly efficient because there is no modification to the data packet and the frame encapsulation of the packet changes only when the …
L1 vs L2 vs L3 Switches: Key Differences Explained Simply - LinkedIn
Apr 25, 2025 · What’s a Layer 2 (L2) Switch? Now we’re talking! Layer 2 switches are what most people think of when they hear the word “switch.” These devices operate at the Data Link Layer, and...
Layer 2, Layer 3, and Layer 4 Switches - Black Box
Therefore, network switches that operate on the different layers of the OSI model are described as Layer 2, Layer 3, or Layer 4 switches. The layer in which a switch operates is determined by how much …
Layer 2 vs Layer 3 Switches in 2026: How to Design a Modern Network
Dec 12, 2025 · Learn Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches in 2026. Covers features, performance, design patterns (campus, branch, data center), and how to choose for your network.