Is the 2970G a layer 3 switch?

[pascal]

CCO states the 2970G is a "multilayer switch".  I cannot seem to get them to take the "ip routing" command.  A Google search shows a lot of confusion, some people claiming it is a layer 3 switch and some claiming it is not.  What gives?

[Reza Sharifi]

Seems to be a layer-2 switch

http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/cc/pd/si/casi/ps5206/prodlit/trsds_ds.pdf

HTH

[pascal]

What makes you say that?  That document again states the 2970G is a "multilayer switch".  A CCO search for "multilayer switch" shows hits for the 3550, 6000, 6500, and 7600, all of which are layer 3 switches.

[pascal]

I can't seem to find a definition on CCO for "multilayer switch", but it looks like most Google results simply redirect to "layer 3 switch".

I also found https://supportforums.cisco.com/thread/2029283 which confuses me even more.

[Jon Marshall]

I think that is the problem. A multilater switch works are different layers of the OSI model. Many L2 switches can deal with L3 QOS markings for example so technically even though they can only switch traffic at L2 they can actually carry out functions that belong to a different layer.

So it really depends on the interpretation of "multilayer" as you say. Some seem to interpret this as a capablility to switch packets at both L2 and L3 whereas others seem to imply that it simply means they can carry out functions (not necessarily switching) at different layers of the OSI model.

As far as i know the 2970 is a L2 switch only.

Jon

[Joseph W. Doherty]

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Posting

It appears the 2970G is an enhanced L2 switch.  It uses the MLS command for QoS features, this might be a partial cause of the confusion.

Perhaps best example of a multi-layer switch is the Catalyst 5x00 series working with an external router.

Good description of MLS here: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/switches/ps700/products_tech_note09186a00800f99bc.shtml#desc

[Leo Laohoo]

The 2970G is a Layer 2-switch only.