A layer 2 switch is a type of network switch or device that works on the data link layer (OSI Layer 2) and utilizes MAC Address to determine the path through where the frames are to be forwarded. It uses hardware based switching techniques to connect and transmit data in a local area network (LAN).

What is the function of a Layer 2 switch?

Layer 2 switches are similar to bridges. They interconnect networks at layer 2, most commonly at the MAC sublayer, and operate as bridges, building tables for the transfer of frames among networks. Historically, layer 2 switches emerged to alleviate the contention problem of shared media LANs.

What is the difference between l2 and l3 switch?

The layer 2 and Layer 3 differs mainly in the routing function. A Layer 2 switch works with MAC addresses only and does not care about IP address or any items of higher layers. Layer 3 switch, or multilayer switch, can do all the job of a layer 2 switch and additional static routing and dynamic routing as well.