Date: Wed, 24 Mar 1999 18:10:03 -0800 From: Wes Peters <wes@softweyr.com> To: freebsd-net@freebsd.org, jlemon@americantv.com Subject: Re: switch vs bridge (fwd) Message-ID: <000346da2d1cdc6c_mailit@thrallo.utah.xylan.com> In-Reply-To: <199903242123.PAA11962@free.pcs> References: <199903242123.PAA11962@free.pcs>
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> >In article <local.mail.freebsd-net/36F95545.6B1F40C0@softweyr.com> you write: >>In other words, there isn't a whole lot of difference unless you step >>up to layer three switches. >> >>These definitions taken from "The Switching Book II", from Xylan Corp. >>Download a PDF version or order your own free printed copy at: >> >> http://www.xylan.com/library/switchbook/index.html > >So where's the definition for layer-four switches? (What the heck >is a layer 4 switch anyway?) Layer 4 switching is a marketing term used by those who don't have the money or technical ability to implement REAL QoS (Quality of Service) in their switches. ;^) The idea behind layer 4 switching is to look into the packet contents and be able to do semi-intelligent things based on that information, like directing HTTP streams to multiple servers. It's great for those few instances where you really need that, like high-volume web servers, and a complete boondoggle for most of the networking world. But it sounds good, doesn't it? If layer 2 switching is good, and layer 3 switching is great, then layer 4 switching must be like getting laid while eating your favorite ice cream, right? Sorry, I'm in a nasty mood right now, and using an unfamiliar mailer to boot. I'll be nice again tomorrow. -- Wes To Unsubscribe: send mail to majordomo@FreeBSD.org with "unsubscribe freebsd-net" in the body of the message
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