Cisco LAN Switching Fundamentals

Introducing MLS

MLS was first introduced for the Catalyst 5000 in version 4.1(1) of the switch operating system, and a NetFlow Feature Card (NFFC) was also required. The MLS-enabled switch keeps track of the initial packet destined to the router, and any subsequent packets from the same flow destined to the router are intercepted by the switch. The switch now does the forwarding for the router. The process greatly increases the number of packets switched between VLANs.

MLS offers low latency at Layer 3. It uses the existing network infrastructure in place, assuming the Catalyst 5000 product line. Aside from a daughter card and software upgrade, MLS does not have any other major requirements. MLS handles packet switching and rewrite function ...