Enabling Routing Between VLANs on a Multilayer Switch
Routed interfaces on a multilayer switch

A routed switch port is a physical switch port on a Multilayer switch that capable of Layer 3 packet processing. A routed port is not associated with a particular VLAN, as is an access port or SVI. A routed port behaves like a regular router interface, except that it does not support VLAN subinterfaces. Routed switch ports can be configured using most commands applied to a physical router interface including the assignment of on IP address and the configuration of Layer 3 routing protocols.

A routed switch port is similar to an SVI in that it is a switch port that provides Layer 3 packet processing. SVIs generally provide Layer 3 services for devices connected to the ports of the switch where the SVI is configured. Routed switch ports can provide a Layer 3 path into the switch for a number of devices on a specific subnet, all of which are located out a single switch port.

The number of routed ports and SVIs that can be configured on a switch is not limited by software. However, the interrelationship between these interfaces other features configured on the switch may overload the CPU due to hardware limitations.

Routed switch ports are typically configured by removing the Layer 2 switchport ability of the switch port. On most switches the ports are Layer 2 ports by default. On some switches, the ports are Layer 3 ports by default. The Layer at which the port functions determines the commands that can be configured on the port.