We use an Alteon Web Switch that uses "layer 4 switching". I don't know if
the concept is the same for cisco switches, but this is how it works on the
Alteon:
Each web site is assigned a "virtual IP" that is not assigned to any host;
it is defined in the switch config. Then we have the web servers that have
different real IP addresses. When someone requests a web page, it resolves
to the "virtual IP" address. Then the Alteon does some processes in Layer 4
to determine which web server has the least load, then routes the request to
that server.
I'm sure that Layer 4 switching is not limited to just web switching, but I
haven't seen it used for anything else. Does anyone else have any experience
with it?
Hope that helps with the concept,
Francis Arigo, MCSE, CCNA
System Administrator
Classroom Connect
-----Original Message-----
From: Ms. Maria [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Wednesday, June 14, 2000 7:58 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Layer 3 switching vs. Layer 4 switching?
Hi,
I was reading Karen Webb book on Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks
(BCMSN). I came across some information on Layer 4 switching that somehow I
didn't understand. It says that "Layer 4 switches refer to Layer 3 hardware
based routing that consider the applications. "
I understand the Layer 3 switching that is not logical and etc. But what
about Layer 4 switching??? What new Switches and Routers are supporting
Layer 4 (Transport Layer) switching?
If Layer 3 and Layer 4 switching is same than is there any difference?
Any responses are welcome on this topic.
Thanks for your time!
Maria
________________________________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com
___________________________________
UPDATED Posting Guidelines: http://www.groupstudy.com/list/guide.html
FAQ, list archives, and subscription info: http://www.groupstudy.com
Report misconduct and Nondisclosure violations to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
___________________________________
UPDATED Posting Guidelines: http://www.groupstudy.com/list/guide.html
FAQ, list archives, and subscription info: http://www.groupstudy.com
Report misconduct and Nondisclosure violations to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
