Layer 2 Network vs Layer 3 Network [closed]

Solution 1:

A layer 2 network only cares about the MAC address presented on each port and is a usually a single broadcast domain.

A layer 3 network encompasses the IP configurations as well as the MAC addressing for each node on the network. They often can handle inter-domain routing between vlans and broadcast domains.

The main difference between a layer 2 switch and a layer 3 switch is the routing function. A layer 3 switch is smart enough to route traffic between subnets and vlans without involving a device that functions as a router.

Many smaller networks function just fine using only layer 2 switching. As your network grows and becomes more complex, there will be a need for a layer 3 network. When you have many networks, multiple subnets and over 1024 hosts you will have to implement true layer 3 networking.