Content

| 4.1 |  | Methods of Inter-VLAN Routing |
| 4.1.7 |  | When to use the router-on-a-stick design |

In general, the router-on-a-stick approach to Inter-VLAN routing is most appropriate when other options using internal route processors are not available. Internal route processors can include Route Switch Modules (RSM) and Multilayer Switch Feature Cards (MSFC). This is not to say that the router-on-a-stick design is a poor choice. It is only a reflection that other options tend to provide higher throughput and functionality. Also, because the router-on-a-stick technique functions as if the router were sitting on the edge of the network (at least as far as the Layer 2 network is concerned), it tends to be less tightly integrated with the rest of the campus network. Newer approaches, such as Route Processors and Multilayer Switching, seek to place routing in the middle of the network where it can have a greater influence on the overall scalability and stability of the network.