routing switch Last modified: Thursday, March 09, 2006
(n.) A switch that also performs routing operations. Usually a switch operates at layer 2 (the Data Link layer) of the OSI Reference Model while routers operate at layer 3 (the Network layer). Routing switches, however, perform many of the layer 3 functions usually reserved for routers. And because the routing is implemented in hardware rather than software, it is faster. The downside of routing switches is that they are not as powerful or as flexible as full-fledged routers. Because they perform some layer 3 functions, routing switches are sometimes called layer-3 switches. See a breakdown of the seven OSI layers in the Quick Reference section of Webopedia.
•E-mail this definition to a colleague• For internet.com pages about routing switch . Also check out the following links! PracticallyNetworked.com  PracticallyNetworked.com provides easy-to-understand help for small-network builders. The site contains how-to information for setting up and debugging home-office and small-business networks. Users can also find extensive troubleshooting information, tips on getting applications to work through firewalls, product reviews on network hardware and software, and more. PracticallyNetworked.com Discussion Forums  If network connections, sharing computers, router problems or other networking issues are bogging you down, then the PracticallyNetworked.com discussion forum is the place to be. Here you'll find help and support for all your network-related problems. What's the Difference Between Routers, Switches and Hubs?  Many people use the terms routers, switches and hubs interchangeably. However, the functions of the three devices are all quite different from one another, even if at times they are all integrated into a single device.	Hardware Networking Hardware Routing choke packet DDR digital access and cross-connect system (DACS) hot potato routing IP switching router routing switch virtual router VRRP Give Us Your Feedback Shopping routing switch Products Compare Products,Prices and Stores Shop by Category: Networking Hubs and Switches 471 Model Matches Routers 141 Model Matches Transceivers 27 Model Matches