Historically, LAN switching typically involves Layer 2 switching at the Access Layer and sometimes at the Distribution Layer. Layer 2 switches only forward information based on the MAC address (the Layer 2 frame address). Layer 3 switching, however, will use the MAC address but also adds the Layer 3 address (e.g., an IP address).
Three options exist when designing a switched environment:
- Layer 2 switching throughout the network
- A combination of Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching; this requires a higher degree of planning
- Layer 3 switching throughout the network
When . . .
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