L2/L3 vs. Layer 3 Managed Switches: What's the Difference?
Managed switches can be categorized by routing capabilities into Layer 3 and L2/L3 (formerly known as Lite Layer 3). While both support static and dynamic routing, the key differences lie in routing table capacity and multicast routing support.
L2/L3 switches are ideal for small to medium-sized networks, supporting up to 64 routing entries. Layer 3 switches are designed for large-scale or high-density networks, supporting up to 8K routing entries and full multicast routing capabilities such as PIM-DM/SM.
Managed Switch Routing Feature Comparison:
| Model | Category | Routing Table Capacity | Static Routing | Dynamic Routing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EX73900E/X Series | L2/L3 | 64 | Supported | RIPv1/v2, OSPF |
| EX78900E/H/X Series | L2/L3 | 64 | Supported | RIPv1/v2, OSPF |
| IG5 Series | L2/L3 | 8K | Supported | RIPv1/v2, OSPF |
| EG97000 Series | Layer 3 | 8K | Supported | RIPv1/v2, OSPF |
※ Specifications may vary by model. Please refer to the product pages for detailed information.
If your network requires cross-subnet communication, inter-VLAN routing, or multicast applications such as video surveillance, we recommend choosing a Layer 3 switch with high routing capacity and PIM protocol support. For small to medium-sized networks with basic routing needs, L2/L3 switches provide a cost-effective solution.
