Can any one tell me the exact difference between Layer 3 switch and Router. Can I use Layer 3 switch instead of router?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Router http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Layer_... .....whatever happened to using Google ?

Yes, no and maybe. Most newer devices are not true text book devices. This part normally starts the arguement. In fact very few devices are strictly text book devices. Each has features that go to either side of the osi model. Some layer 3 switches can be used as routers. Depends on the device and how exactly you want to use it. from wiki "Routers connect two or more logical subnets, which do not necessarily map one-to-one to the physical interfaces of the router.[1] The term layer 3 switch often is used interchangeably with router, but switch is really a marketing term without a rigorous technical definition. In marketing usage, it is generally optimized for Ethernet LAN interfaces and may not have other physical interface types." I read it wrong and answer it wrong too. So get off my case you peanut.

` As far as routing packets between subnets a l3 switch will always be faster than a router .

in layer 3 switch no any serial port but in router has serial ports that is the different bitween both of them. Cheers!!! Vaib...