Question : when will will use layer 3 switch?

Dear Sir,

I am going to implement a big network.  I have bought 48 port LinkSys Layer 2 switch 10/100 with 4 Giga Port of 6 Nos.

The usage and users will be Windows 2003 and Client will be Windows XP.  Windows 2003 will act as a file server.

I would like to know, for this network, is it required Layer 3 Switch?

regards

Answer : when will will use layer 3 switch?

If you are using just to connect to LAN ( no traffic outside the lan or outsite your network) then you won't need layer3 switch.

 If you want to transfer some information outsite your network then you will need a router. Layer3 switch performs a layer 2 function at layer 3. That is, it will route the First packet depending on the routing table.. rest packet for that particulat destination are just switched. thus reducing very much of processor load.

 Peace and Health
Ravi Simpi