Editing Multilayer switch (section)

{{Short description|Network switch providing functionality above the data link layer}}
{{more citations needed|date=October 2009}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2020}}

A '''multilayer switch (MLS)''' is a [[computer networking device]] that switches on [[OSI layer 2]] like an ordinary [[network switch]] and provides extra functions on higher [[OSI layers]]. The MLS was invented<ref>United States Patent 5,500,860 Filed June 14, 1991, Perlman, Kirby, Backes, Kaufman</ref> by engineers at [[Digital Equipment Corporation]].

Switching technologies are crucial to [[network design]], as they allow traffic to be sent only where it is needed in most cases, using fast, hardware-based methods. Switching uses different kinds of network switches. A standard switch is known as a ''layer-2 switch'' and is commonly found in nearly any LAN. ''Layer-3'' or ''layer-4'' switches require advanced technology (see [[Network switch#Configuration options|managed switch]]) and are more expensive and thus are usually only found in larger LANs or in special network environments.