N10-005 · Question #522
A multi-layer switch operates at which of the following OSI layers?
The correct answer is B. Layers 2 and 3. A multi-layer switch operates at both OSI Layer 2 (Data Link) for frame-based switching and Layer 3 (Network) for IP-based routing, combining both functions in a single device. Layers above or below these are not relevant to multi-layer switch operation.
Question
A multi-layer switch operates at which of the following OSI layers?
Options
- ALayers 1 and 5
- BLayers 2 and 3
- CLayers 4 and 5
- DLayers 5 and 6
How the community answered
(25 responses)- A4% (1)
- B92% (23)
- C4% (1)
Why each option
A multi-layer switch operates at both OSI Layer 2 (Data Link) for frame-based switching and Layer 3 (Network) for IP-based routing, combining both functions in a single device. Layers above or below these are not relevant to multi-layer switch operation.
Layer 1 is the Physical layer (cables, signals) and Layer 5 is the Session layer - neither relates to the forwarding or routing functions of a multi-layer switch.
A multi-layer switch operates at Layer 2 using MAC addresses to make forwarding decisions within the same network segment, and at Layer 3 using IP addresses to route traffic between different subnets or VLANs. This dual-layer capability allows the device to perform both high-speed switching and inter-VLAN routing in hardware.
Layer 4 is the Transport layer (TCP/UDP) and Layer 5 is the Session layer - while some advanced switches can inspect Layer 4 headers, the defining layers of a multi-layer switch are 2 and 3.
Layer 5 is the Session layer and Layer 6 is the Presentation layer - these application-oriented layers have no involvement in switch forwarding or routing operations.
Concept tested: Multi-layer switch OSI layer operation
Source: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/switches/catalyst-6500-series-switches/10584-layer3-switches.html
Topics
Community Discussion
No community discussion yet for this question.