What's a Layer 3 (L3) Switch? This is where things get powerful. L3 switches don't just understand MAC addresses—they also work with IP addresses and can route traffic between networks. Performs routing between. But at the same time, switches can connect devices within the same network, but they can't connect different IP networks, as shown in the diagram below. In simple words, a Layer 3 Switch is a networking device that can perform switching (functions of. A Layer 3 switch (also called a multilayer switch) is a purpose-built hardware device that blends features of a traditional Layer 2 switch and a router. It plays a critical role in modern networks by performing high-speed packet forwarding while also making routing decisions at Layer 3.
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