Which type of switch operates by routing traffic between different subnets?

A Layer 3 switch operates by routing traffic between different subnets. It combines the functionality of traditional switching with routing capabilities, allowing it to determine the most efficient path for data packets based on their IP addresses. This capability is essential for managing traffic within complex networks where different subnets need to communicate with each other effectively.

When a Layer 3 switch receives a data packet with an IP address, it examines the destination address and makes routing decisions to forward the packet appropriately. This enables efficient interconnectivity between multiple subnets, which is vital for larger networks that operate across various segments.

While Layer 2 switches operate at the data link layer and primarily handle traffic within the same subnet by using MAC addresses, Layer 4 switches, which can process information up to the transport layer, may not specifically manage IP routing between different subnets. Multilayer switches, which can perform both Layer 2 and Layer 3 functions, also facilitate routing, but the most direct and specific answer to the question regarding routing traffic between different subnets is the Layer 3 switch.