DES-3326 Layer 3 Fast Ethernet Switch User’s Guide

The Functions of a Layer 3 Switch

Traditional routers, once the core components of large networks, became an obstacle to the migration toward next-generation networks. Attempts to make software-based routers forward packets more quickly were inadequate.

A layer 3 switch does everything to a packet that a traditional router does:

Determines forwarding path based on Layer 3 information

Validates the integrity of the Layer 3 header via checksum

Verifies packet expiration and updates accordingly

Processes and responds to any optional information

Updates forwarding statistics in the Management Information Base

A Layer 3 switch can be placed anywhere within a network core or backbone, easily and cost-effectively replacing the traditional collapsed backbone router. The DES-3326 Layer 3 switch communicates with a WAN router using a standard Ethernet/Fast Ethernet port. Multiple DES-3326 switches can be linked via the optional, 2-port Gigabit Ethernet module.

Features

The DES-3326 Switch was designed for easy installation and high performance in an environment where traffic on the network and the number of users increase continuously.

Switch features include:

Ports

24 high-performance NWay ports all operating at 10/100 Mbps for connecting to end stations, servers and hubs (23 MDI-X 10/100 Ethernet UTP ports and one MDI-II/MDI-X port. The MDI- II/MDI-X port can be switched between the two modes from the front panel.)

All ports can auto-negotiate (NWay) between 10Mbps/ 100Mbps, half-duplex or full duplex and flow control for half-duplex ports.

One front panel slide-in module interface for a 2-port 1000BASE-SX, 1000BASE-LX, 1000BASE- T, or GBIC Gigabit Ethernet module.

RS-232 DCE Diagnostic port (console port) for setting up and managing the Switch via a connection to a console terminal or PC using a terminal emulation program.

Performance Features

Layer 2 Features

8.8 Gbps switching fabric capacity

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D-Link DES-3326 manual Performance Features, Functions of a Layer 3 Switch, Ports, Layer 2 Features