Enterasys Networks VH-8G-L3 - Manual (Page 16)

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Product Overview
This chapter provides the following information:
• Product Description
• Features
• Front and Rear Panel Component Descriptions
• Feature Summaries
• Application Example
Description
This section describes Layer 3 functionality and Layer 2 and
Layer 3 features of the VH-8G-L3. Some background
information about Ethernet/Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet,
and switching technology is presented. This is intended for
readers who may not be familiar with the concepts of layered
switching and routing but is not intended to be a complete or
in-depth discussion.
Layer 3 Switching
Layer 3 switching is an integration of two proven
technologies: switching and routing. In fact, Layer 3 switches
are running the same routing routines and protocols as
traditional routers. The main difference between traditional
routing and Layer 3 switching is the addition of a group of
Layer 2 switching domains and the execution of routing
routines for most packets via an ASIC – in hardware instead
of software.
Where a traditional router would have one, or at best a few,
Fast Ethernet ports, the VH-8G-L3 Layer 3 switch has 8
Gigabit Ethernet ports.