RE: Stoopid Question?

[Guyler, Rik [EESUS]]

NetEng, the question is not a stupid one.  An L3 switch can indeed become a multi-port router.  For example, a 2948G-L3 could be setup to route between 48 different subnets.  Of course, this is an impractical configuration for a real-world scenario, but it can be done none the less.    In this case, the real difference between a 2948G-L3 and a 48-port router is the internal process, not the end result.  Also, don't confuse L3 switching with MLS, which does use a separate RP (internal or external).  MLS makes the routing decision based on a query to the Layer 3 software routing process (via the RP), but forwards the following frames via Layer 2.  L3 switching moves the entire process into hardware (this is where the ASICs come in) rather than using software-based routing.  2 different processes, but with a similar result: a huge increase in routing performance over traditional software-based routers.   Good luck!   Rik Guyler -----Original Message----- From: Marc Quibell [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Friday, October 06, 2000 9:41 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Stoopid Question? Different subnets on each switch port? I don't think so..L3 switching does not mean a switch turns into a 256port router...THe way I see it, L3 switching uses an RP (Router) either external, or internal, to switch between VLANs using ASICs at L2 speeds, by caching . I think I have this right....Sorry, no time for a Visio presentation.   Marc ""NetEng"" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message 8rjidh$dun$[EMAIL PROTECTED]">news:8rjidh$dun$[EMAIL PROTECTED]... I watched a little video on Layer3 switching from Cisco and I guess I never thought about this before, but you can have different subnets on each switch port (layer3 of course)?  I also have a network design and I would really appreciate comments on it. Anyone with Visio and an extra 10 minutes, please let me know and review and make sure I'm on the right track. Thanks.