IP routing basics

The term "interface" in the routing features collectively refers to Layer 3 interfaces, including VLAN interfaces and Layer 3 Ethernet interfaces. You can set an Ethernet port as a Layer 3 interface by using the port link-mode route command (see Layer 2—LAN Switching Configuration Guide).

IP routing directs IP packet forwarding on routers based on a routing table. This chapter focuses on unicast routing protocols. For more information about multicast routing protocols, see IP Multicast Configuration Guide.