Which device can function at both Layer 2 and Layer 3 of the OSI model?

A multilayer switch is capable of operating at both Layer 2 and Layer 3 of the OSI model, which differentiates it from many other network devices. At Layer 2, a multilayer switch performs traditional switching functions, such as forwarding frames based on MAC addresses, managing VLANs, and handling associated tasks such as bridging between different segments of a network.

At Layer 3, it can perform routing functions, which means it has the capability to make forwarding decisions based on IP addresses. This allows it to route traffic between different networks, implement access control lists, and handle inter-VLAN routing without needing a separate router. The ability to function at both layers makes multilayer switches highly efficient, as they can reduce latency and improve performance by consolidating multiple functionalities into a single device.

In contrast, other devices mentioned do not have this dual-layer functionality. Hubs operate solely at Layer 1, simply transmitting signals to all ports without understanding or analyzing the data. Routers work primarily at Layer 3, making decisions based on IP addresses, but they do not perform Layer 2 switching functions. Bridges, while they do operate at Layer 2 for traffic management, do not possess the Layer 3 capabilities for routing. Thus, the