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Layer 2 Switch vs. Layer 3 Switch in Network Design

Layer 2 switches operate at the Data Link Layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model and primarily make forwarding decisions based on the Media Access Control (MAC) addresses. They are commonly used for LAN (Local Area Network) connectivity.

On the other hand, Layer 3 switches function at the Network Layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model and can perform routing functions in addition to switching. They use IP addresses to make routing decisions and are often utilized in interconnecting multiple VLANs or routing between subnets.

One would use a Layer 2 switch when seeking basic switching functions within a single LAN segment, where a Layer 3 switch becomes beneficial in scenarios requiring inter-VLAN routing, subnet segmentation, and more advanced network routing capabilities.

Overall, understanding the distinctions between Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches is crucial in designing efficient and scalable networks.

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In this HTML code snippet, the answer to the interview question is presented in a structured and SEO-friendly manner. The content addresses the differences between layer 2 and layer 3 switches in network design, including when to use each in a network setup.