What is the primary difference between Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches?

The primary difference between Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches lies in their operation and the types of addresses they utilize. Layer 2 switches function at the Data Link Layer of the OSI model and primarily use MAC addresses to forward traffic within the same local area network (LAN). They create a switching table that maps MAC addresses to specific ports, allowing them to direct Ethernet frames based on the destination MAC address.

In contrast, Layer 3 switches operate at the Network Layer, utilizing IP addresses to make forwarding decisions. This capability allows them not only to perform the same functions as Layer 2 switches but also to route packets between different networks. By analyzing the destination IP address, Layer 3 switches can facilitate inter-VLAN communication and manage traffic across diverse IP subnets.

The other choices highlight differences that do not accurately reflect the core functional distinctions between these two types of switches. For instance, the claim regarding Layer 2 switches operating wirelessly and Layer 3 switches not doing so is misleading, as this characteristic is typically more dependent on the specific hardware design rather than a defining trait of each layer. The number of ports and power consumption are also not inherently fixed characteristics between Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches, and variations exist based on specific models