L2 or L3 Load Sharing

[Prinfo]

Hi!

Is there anyone who can explain a bit about the differences between layer 2 and layer 3 load sharing?

Why would I choose layer 2 before layer 3 for example?

If there's only multicast on the ports, would it be better to use layer 3?

Any information is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[rbrt]

Additionally, when using L3 routing algorithms you can benefit of "equal cost load balancing", which actually distributes traffic based on link load.

[Paul11]

Thanks anyway Robert, Here i am in the HUB.

[rbrt]

Hi Paul,
Just ask Google about it. For example, it leads to this Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equal-cost_multi-path_routing
The common routing protocol to use in a LAN is OSPF by the way. Again, Google knows a lot about it.

[Paul11]

Hi Robert,

Could you explain more about L3 routing protocol to "equal path load balancing" for traffic to distributes the load on links. Thanks.