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Layer 4-7 is a term which refers to the switching and optimizing of layers number 4 and number 7 inside a TCP/IP network. All TCP/IP networks have a standard of 7 layers so that network software and hardware can work uniformly on any network. To best understand how networks work is important to understand how all of the layers work and not just layers 4-7.
Layer 1 - This layer is where the network hardware works, for example switches and routers.
Layer 2 - Is the interface level, where priority is established.
Layer 3 - Is the network level.
Layer 4 - Is the transport level where data is moved
Layer 5 - Is the session level for each session’s connection.
Layer 6 - Is the Presentation Level
Layer 7 - Is the level reserved for network applications and programs
Layers 4,5,6 are the bulk of the internet and many applications and hardware devices do not differentiate between the levels. This is why layer 4-7 switches are called layer 4-7 switches and not 4,5,6,7 switches.
Layer 4-7 switches read and analyze data as it passes through the network as data packets. This allows for a deep analysis of data and traffic patterns. For example Layer 4-7 switches can identify what kind of user or device is accessing content on the network such as handheld devices, employees, new customers etc. Layer 4-7 switches can also identify the type of data that is being accessed for example streaming video, applications, shopping carts, secure payments etc.
The information gathered by layer 4-7 switches to intelligently distribute content throughout the network. Users who use a high amount of traffic can be sent to the same server over and over again so that they do not have to renegotiate every time saving the user time. Now with more and more applications using layer 7 in order to function data can be moved through layer 4 with intelligent layer 4-7 switches.
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Ariel is a writer for Compucall-usa.com. The current leader in layer 4-7 switches is Radware Ltd., they have a very informative website. For more information on layer 4-7 switches visit http:www.radware.com
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