Talk:Multilayer switch

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[edit] merge with Layer 4 router

The term switch traditionally referred to a layer 2 device, operating on individual network segments and using MAC addresses. The term router traditionally referred to a layer 3 device operating on the IP protocol. So I guess that a layer 4 router is the same thing as a layer 4 switch, so probably the discussion belongs here. I personally would have preferred a main page called "Content Switch" but multi-layer switch (or multi-layer router?) seems more descriptive perhaps. IanB 13:00, 26 June 2006 (UTC)

[edit] nat

"Some of the layer 7 switches can NAT at wirespeed."

at least in its basic form nat is layer 4 isn't it? Plugwash 21:33, 5 June 2006 (UTC)

I think this comment can be removed now that the text says "Layer 4-7 switches". Will remove in a couple of months if there's no further comment. IanB 10:13, 18 July 2006 (UTC)

[edit] content switches

I've tried to expand this section, although I am certainly no subject matter expert. My information source is basically the Cisco web site, and some knowledge about there 111500 series content switches and the 6500 content switching module. I have a feeling that the cited article dating from 1999 is getting a little outdated in what is now a fast-developing area, but I dont want to tie this to Cisco since virtually every other vendor of network equipment probably has a content switch offering. Somehow this page should also link to the Load Balancing page I came across a while ago. IanB 12:06, 26 June 2006 (UTC)