The Linux Multilayer Switch is a component of a project geared towards constructing a switching unit for Layer 2 and 3 that is Linux-based.
This is not a standalone module but instead includes minor patches for the kernel networking code. As part of this project, we needed to hook into the packet reception code and the socket ioctl code to implement "deviceless" ioctl's on sockets. Additionally, there's a user space tool included to manage the kernel module's various features.
Linux Multilayer Switch's primary function is the implementation of ethernet layer 2 switching with VLAN (802.1q) support and VLAN virtual interfaces for inter-VLAN routing.
In the latest release, there's the addition of the Cisco Discovery Protocol, along with several bug fixes to both the userspace and kernel code. With this release, Linux Multilayer Switch has been updated to version 2.6.17, which has further improvements for better functionality. So if you're looking for a reliable Layer 2 and 3 switching appliance, Linux Multilayer Switch comes highly recommended.
Version 2006-08-07-01: N/A