Not likely. For a start, they are much more expensive. They may also require special configuration.
There are many layer 2 switches unmanaged, working with default settings for basic networks. Not everyone needs Layer 3 operations, therefore it doesn't make sense to buy expensive switches with many possibilities for basic operation. If a simple network even needs layer 3 switching, a router can be used in many cases for this purpose. Unfortunately routers are less powerful than switches, therefore it is not recommended solution. Proper answer is very complex, therefore it really depends on the situation.
Routers operate at layer 3. LAN switches operate at layer 2. Ethernet hubs operate at layer 1.
Routers support a variety of interface types. Switches typically support Ethernet interfaces.
High-end layer 3 switches or routers
Switches are commonly known as "Layer 2 (Data Link Layer)".3550 Switches: These switches are working under Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) and it is forward the packets through MAC Address, but if we convert these type of switches into Routers it will function in Layer 3 (Network Layer) of OSI model as it's forward the packets based on the IP addresses.2950 Switches: These switches are working under Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) of OSI model only and it is forward the packets through MAC Address.
Routers and layer 3 switches work at Layer 3 of OSI model.
On a packet switched network, data travels between layers 1, 2 and 3 of the OSI model using routers (layer 3), switches (layer 2), and media (layer 1).
Routers would be in layer 3 of the OSI model also known as the Network layer.
Routers operate at layer 3 of the OSI model while switches operate at layer 2. The data transmission form of a router is called a packet while in a switch, it is called a frame. Routers are mainly used in wide area networks while switches are used in local area networks.
There are no layer 1 switches; switches run at layer 2 or 3. A hub is a layer 1 device.
Not really - they operate at the Data Link layer using the MAC address and therefore don't really segment a network. There are some managed switches that can do this or by using VLAN configurations, but ordinary switches will not really segment a LAN.
Before talking about layers you need to figure out what kind of network you are trying to build, how servers, workstations, routers, switches and so on.
AnswerYes. You can't split a broadcast domain without also splitting the collision domain. The only devices that can split a broadcast domain are routers and layer 3 switches. Switches, bridges, and routers can all be used to split the collision domain. Hubs and repeaters do not split the collision domain or the broadcast domain.