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Re: switch vs. router

2001-03-20 17:20:02
"huangjianbo" <huangjianbo(_at_)sdtm(_dot_)online(_dot_)sh(_dot_)cn> writes:
So many replies, I am reading them.

Some idea now, but still not very clear.  I want the most distinctive
ones.

"router" is the technical term for any device which forwards data based
on Layer 3 information.

"bridge" is the technical term for any device which forwards data based
on Layer 2 information.

"switch" is a marketing term meaning "fast".

Therefore, "L2 switch" means "fast bridge" and "L3 switch" means "fast
router".  There are also ATM switches, telephone switches, etc.
"switch" without any qualifiers is essentially meaningless unless
everyone agrees on the context -- and obviously those responding to this
thread are not in agreement.

Concluded from these mail, one most attractive is the router decrease
TTL, while switch not.  And some are talking about progagation of the
broadcast. I need further think.

None of those details is relevant.  A proper L3 switch (er, fast router)
will do the exact same things as a normal router.  If a particular
product fails to handle certain packets or fields properly, it doesn't
mean it's no longer a router -- it's just a non-compliant one.

Truly yours,
Huang Jianbo

S

     |          |         Stephen Sprunk, K5SSS, CCIE #3723
    :|:        :|:        Network Design Consultant, GSOLE
   :|||:      :|||:       New office: RCDN2 in Richardson, TX
.:|||||||:..:|||||||:.    Email: ssprunk(_at_)cisco(_dot_)com




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