Is 2960 a layer 2 or 3? (2024)

The Cisco Catalyst 2960 series is primarily known as a Layer 2 switch. It is designed to provide basic connectivity and switching functionality at the data link layer of the OSI model. Layer 2 switches operate at the MAC address level and make forwarding decisions based on MAC addresses.

However, it is important to note that some models within the Cisco Catalyst 2960 series do offer limited Layer 3 routing capabilities. These models are known as Layer 3 switches, as they can perform basic routing functions at the network layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model.

Layer 3 routing on the Cisco Catalyst 2960 switches allows for the creation of static routes and the support of inter-VLAN routing. This means that the switch can route traffic between different VLANs, providing basic routing functionality within the local network.

It is worth mentioning that the Layer 3 capabilities of the Cisco Catalyst 2960 series are limited compared to dedicated Layer 3 routers or more advanced Layer 3 switches. These switches may lack features such as dynamic routing protocols (e.g., OSPF or EIGRP), advanced access control lists, or extensive routing table capabilities.

In summary, while the Cisco Catalyst 2960 series is primarily a Layer 2 switch, certain models within the series do offer limited Layer 3 routing capabilities, enabling basic routing functions within the local network.

The Cisco Catalyst 2960 is primarily considered a Layer 2 switch. However, it also has some Layer 3 capabilities, making it a hybrid Layer 2/3 switching device. The 2960 series is designed to provide basic routing functionality, allowing it to route between VLANs and perform some basic IP routing functions.

In terms of Layer 2 functionality, the 2960 supports features such as VLANs, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), Virtual Trunking Protocol (VTP), and Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP). It also supports Layer 2 security features like MAC address filtering and Port Security.

On the Layer 3 side, the 2960 series can perform IP routing and support static routing. It can route between different VLANs and perform basic inter-VLAN routing. However, it does not support advanced routing protocols such as OSPF or BGP. Additionally, the Layer 3 functionality of the 2960 switches is limited compared to dedicated Layer 3 switches.

It is important to note that the latest point of view may suggest that the 2960 series is more suited for Layer 2 switching, with limited Layer 3 capabilities. As technology advances, Cisco has introduced dedicated Layer 3 switches with more advanced routing capabilities. Therefore, if your network requires extensive Layer 3 routing functionality, it may be more appropriate to consider a dedicated Layer 3 switch rather than relying solely on the Layer 3 capabilities of the 2960.