[LARTC] Layer 3 switching...

[John Default]

Hi

I was told that layer 3 switches are faster because "routing" there is 
done by some ASIC hardware. Is there any advantage in having another 
routing code in bridging when everything is done in software which is 
same slow as normal routing? The only speed gain would be in keeping the 
routing code very simple with limited functionality, but i think that 
the trend is to put there more and more functionality which would end up 
in having two same slow, same function code in two places.

(i was taugth that packets are routed on L3, frames are 
switched(bridged) on L2. And L3 switch does L2 switching + L3 routing 
but in hardware. routers are completely a software thing, switches 
hardware thing, and bridge is switch in software.)

Please excuse me if i am missing your idea completely.

Grant Taylor wrote:
> Is it even possible or even worth while to do layer 3 switching 
> (bridging) on a Linux system?
>
> Or would this be considered routing even though everything is done on 
> OSI Layer 2?
>
> Which would be faster, Layer 3 switching (bridging) on OSI Layer 2 or 
> routing on OSI Layer 3?
>
>
>
> Grant. . . .
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-- 

___________________________________
S pozdravom / Best regards

John Default