Layer 2 and Layer 3 image file

[Lim Seow Hua]

Hi,

How do we identify that  the IOS image file that is stored in the switch/router is a Layer 2 or  Layer 3 image? Thanks.

[Leo Laohoo]

IOS version 12.2 has the prefix "ipbase".  This means the IOS is Layer 2 only.  If your IOS is, say, "ipservices", then it means you have layer 3.

Does this help?

[glen.grant]

   The only layer 2 switch cisco has now is the 2960,2975 line.   The rest are all L3 capable with either image  whether its ipbase or ipservices.  Ipbase will not support advanced ip routing protocols like ospf , bgp, eigrp , ipservices does.  I'm sure there are other features not available in ipbase also  but ipbase does do intervlan routing whether its static routes or an old protocol like RIP.

[Leo Laohoo]

The only layer 2 switch cisco has now is the 2960,2975 line.

Don't forget the 2350 too.