F5 GLOSSARY

L7 Switch

What is an L7 Switch?

An L7 switch, also known as an "application switch," is a type of network switch that relays data on a network and operates at Layer 7, the application layer (e.g., HTTP) of the OSI model. Switches are categorized by the protocol layer they function on, and L7 switches extend their functionality to application-level operations.

An L7 switch can analyze the type of application to which a data packet belongs and control the destination of the packet based on application-layer communication details. It can also modify the contents of packets when necessary for purposes like ensuring security. These capabilities enable traffic load balancing and implement advanced security features, improving network performance and protection.

Other types of switches include:

  • L2 switches (Layer 2 switches): Operate at the data link layer (e.g., Ethernet).
  • L3 switches (Layer 3 switches): Operate at the network layer (e.g., IP).
  • L4 switches (Layer 4 switches): Operate at the transport layer (e.g., TCP).

The term "switch" typically references L2 or L3 switches. However, L4 and L7 switches provide additional application delivery features, making them part of the Application Delivery Controller (ADC) category.

F5 offers F5 BIG-IP, an ADC solution equipped with advanced L7 switch functionalities.