What is the function of ASICs in a multilayer switch?
- They provide power to devices such as IP phones and wireless access points through Ethernet ports.
- They streamline forwarding of IP packets in a multilayer switch by bypassing the CPU.
- They prevent Layer 2 loops by disabling redundant links between switches.
- They aggregate multiple physical switch ports into a single logical port.
Answers Explanation & Hints: ASICs are application-specific integrated circuits and they allow a multilayer switch to forward IP packets without calling on the CPU to make routing decisions. By using ASICs a switch can forward IP packets almost as fast as it can forward Layer 2 frames.