The document provides an overview of network switching, categorizing various types of switches including layer 1 to layer 7 switches, and their functions within network infrastructure. It describes the characteristics and operational differences of each switch type, such as port mirroring and error-checking, as well as their associations with OSI layers. The conclusion highlights the increasing complexity and functionality of these devices in network management.

1. Network Switching
Aung Thu Rha Hein (g5536871)
2nd March 2014

2. What is network switching?
➔ A network device to connect segments within a network
➔ receive messages and send only to the targeted devices
➔ Type of Switch:
◆ Layer 1 Switch or Hub
◆ Layer 2 Switch
◆ Layer 3 Switch
◆ Layer 4-7 Switch (MultiLayer Switch)

3. Network Devices & OSI Layer
Association
OSI Layer
Layer Name
Devices
4-7
Transport, Session,
Presentation,Application
Multi-Layer Swtich
3
Network
Routers, Layer 3 Switch
2
Data Link
Switches, Bridges, NIC’s
1
Physical
Hub or Layer 1 switch

4. Layer 1 Switch
Hub
➔ port mirroring
◆
send network packages from one switch port to another port
➔ can’t filter messages. propagate to all connected
devices
➔ not intelligence to find out best path
for data packets.

5. Layer 2 switch
➔ perform bridging (Bridge with multiple ports )
➔ Store & Forward Switch
◆
◆
perform error-checking before sending network frames
highly reliable & slow
➔ Cut Through Switch
◆
◆
◆
No error checking
look up destination and forward it
performance penalty

6. Layer 2 switch
➔ Fragment Free Cut Through Switch
◆
◆
forward all frames initially
if particular ports get many error frames, switch to store & forward
mode
➔ Unmanaged/Intelligence Switch
◆
◆
tracks & reports performance statistics
have DB ASIC

7. Layer 3 switch
➔ layer 2 switch- filter & forward frames
➔ layer 3 switch- routing capability
◆
◆
each ports is separate LAN port
difference with router: physical implementation

8. Layer 4 Switch
Session,Content switch
➔ responsible for the analysis and control of network
traffic at transport layer
➔ vendor dependent
➔ can include firewall,IP security Gateway,Policy based
routing & ACLs
➔ E.g. Cisco 3560 L4 Switch
◆
L2 switching, L3 routing & L4 content regarding
forwarding, dropping, prioritizing, packets carrying

9. Layer 7 Switch
Application,Content switch

10. Conclusion
Complexity
and
Functionality
(Ascending
Order)
Hub
Bridge
L2 Switch
Router & L3 Switch
L4 Switch
L7 Switch
Thanks &
Questions