What is main difference between a Layer 3 switch and a router?

Answer 1

Switches are Layer 2 devices only while Routers operate at Layer 3.

Switches by definition transfer data frames by readingFrame'sDestination MAC address & sendingitout throughtheport to which mac address (if found in table) is connected. While Routers perform data transfer by reading IP Addresses on Packets.

Switches connect devices within same network number while Routers can connect several networks & support different technologies for data transportation.

Answer 2

They perform the same function, but in general, the term "layer 3 switch" is used to describe a device that performs most of its packet processing in hardware, thus reducing latency and improving performance.

Answer 3

A layer 3 switch is still a router, but often does not have all the "features" of something that might be labeled a router. A layer 3 switch is often used between subnets inside a LAN whereas a router is typically used between a LAN and a WAN (regardless of whether or not the link uses NAT or has a firewall).
A Layer 3 switch is best suited to small networks or workgroups; a router is more efficient because it does not.

Answer 4

1. Router works on L3 only while L3 switch can works on L3 and L2 also.

3. L3 switches do not have WAN interfaces but Routers have.

4. L3 switches doesnt support NAT while Routers support.

Answer 5

A Layer 3 switch is optimized for fast data handling; a router is optimized for accurate data delivery.

Answer 6

a router is a automatic switch .see a router can't work without a switch cause it is through the switch that a router gets it energy

Answer 7

No difference, they're the same thing.