The core layer, distribution layer, and access layer are the components of the Cisco hierarchical network model. Accordingly, the switching devices operating in these layers are named respectively as Core Switch, Distribution Switch, and Access Switch. In this article, DNG Corp will focus on providing readers with detailed information about the differences between Core Switch and Access Switch.
Overview of Core Switch and Access Switch
Core Switch and Access Switch are two types of switching devices that play an important role in the network system. Although they both have the task of supporting the connection of devices in the network, they are divided into two different types. Below, DNG Corp will help you better understand each type of switch.
What is a Core Switch?
A Core Switch or core switch is a high-end device located at the core layer of the network infrastructure, acting as a central connection point to ensure low-latency and high-bandwidth communication between other segments of the network. This helps to deliver high performance to the entire network in the enterprise. Furthermore, the core switch is highly scalable by adding more ports or modules.
=> See more at: Distinguishing between Managed Switch and Unmanaged Switch features
Core switches are considered as the backbone of a layered network. These switches are responsible for routing and switching data at the core layer of the network. The data once routed and switched by the Core Switch is forwarded to the lower layers of the network, namely the distribution layer and the access layer. This means that the performance of the entire network depends on the data routed by the core switches.
What is Core Switch?
In network systems, people often use many switches at the core layer to be able to transmit large amounts of data to the correct layers in the hierarchy. In addition, this is also to prevent data packet overload. If there are too many data packets at the distribution and access layers, the data flow may cause problems back to the core layer. Therefore, network administrators should prioritize choosing high-capacity Core Switches to limit this situation.
What is an Access Switch?
An Access Switch, also known as an access switch, is a switching device that connects the access layer to subnets in the enterprise network system. These subnets are integrated with access devices such as routers, IP devices, control and monitoring panels, etc.
At the access layer of the hierarchical network, the access switch will aggregate data and push it to the distribution layer. Access switches typically include basic features such as configuring Ethernet ports to connect network devices, configuring virtual LANs to separate communication streams, configuring STP to prevent the creation of network loops, and other security features to protect the enterprise network.
What is Access Switch?
Important parameters of Core Switch and Access Switch
The following content is some important parameters of Core Switch and Access Switch that users need to pay attention to when choosing products to set up an effective enterprise network system.
Core Switch parameters
Due to the importance of core switches in the hierarchical network architecture, the quality and performance of these switches must be guaranteed. To ensure that the devices can perform the core layer tasks or prevent core layer collapse, we need to carefully consider the following parameters of the core switch:
- Forwarding speed: Forwarding speed is the first important parameter to consider when choosing a core switch. This parameter tells the user how many data packets are transmitted at any given time. Since Core Switches are responsible for transmitting a large amount of data, high forwarding capacity is required.
- Quality of service: QoS allows the issuance of a data packet transmission strategy. With high-demand networks and a large amount of data transmitted through the core layer, QoS is responsible for selectively transmitting packets. This helps important data to be transmitted first and less important data to be transmitted later.
- Redundancy: This parameter of the device helps prevent sudden failures. Cooling fans or power supply modules can be used to enhance redundancy.
- Number of connection ports: It is necessary to choose a Core Switch with a sufficient number of ports to connect to subnets and core networks. Typically, core switches have more ports than access switches and distribution switches.
- Routing capability: Core switches should have routing capabilities to enable efficient connection of subnets. Flexibility and reliability: Core switches should be selected with flexibility to ensure future network setup needs. At the same time, the device also needs to be reliable to ensure that the network operates stably and without interruption.
- Device compatibility: In a network system, a core switch may not be enough. To set up multi-core switches, the core layer needs to be reduced. Therefore, the network topology may not be the same. Accordingly, the core switch may not be compatible with the applied topology.
- Ethernet protocol compliance: Because Ethernet networks are built according to IEEE standards and the devices in the network also operate based on the above standards. Therefore, core switches must also operate in compliance with the Ethernet protocols being used when building the network system.
Access Switch Parameters
The access layer is the layer with the most interactions in the hierarchical network. Therefore, the following parameters of the Access Switch should be noted:
- Density: The number of connection ports on the access switches. Since the access switches are directly connected to the subnet and the end user’s network devices, it is necessary for the device to have a high port density. The higher the port density, the lower the number of access switches used in the access layer.
- Fast port speed: Access switches usually have a data transmission speed of 10/100/1000 Mbps. Each different network activity will have different port speed requirements. With the increasing demand for high-speed Gigabit transmission, the ports of the Access Switch require the ability to transmit high-speed data to the subnet devices.
- Convenient management and installation: Since many access switches are integrated into the access layer or when expanding the network, additional access switches are needed, the essential factor at this time is the ability to easily manage and install when needed.
- High security: The case of unauthorized intrusion from a third party through the access layer is very high because it can be easily accessed. Therefore, the Access Switch should be deployed with security protocols such as: access control, IP source protection, DoS protection, etc.
- Device compatibility: For efficient data transmission, the compatibility of the access switch with the end user device is very important.
Compare the difference between Core Switch and Access Switch
To compare the difference between the two product lines Core Switch and Access Switch, we can compare based on the following criteria:
- According to product features: Core switches are considered the “backbone” in the enterprise network system. When the demand for working speed and security is increasing, it is necessary to route between virtual LANs in the same network architecture, Core Switch is the solution to solve that problem. Meanwhile, access switches are used to connect ports to each client.
- According to Cisco’s layered model: Although they are both in the same network system, these two Switch lines operate at different layers. Core switches are located at the top layer, transmitting huge amounts of data at high speed while still ensuring stability and reliability. Access switches operate more simply, mainly providing connections to the Desktop Layer. At the same time, they perform access control and policy functions from the distribution layer. Create separate collision domains using Switches instead of Hubs or Bridges.
Difference between core switching and access switching
In summary, there are three basic differences between these two product lines:
- Core switches are important and necessary devices in every network system to determine transmission speed as well as advanced management features.
- However, with a very simple network system consisting of one server and few sub-machines, we can use access switches or distribution switches to perform the core switch function.
- In small and medium-sized networks, only one Core Switch is needed to operate, but the access layer can use many different Access Switches.
Above, is all the information about the differences between the two lines of Core Switch and Access Switch devices that we want to bring to readers. If you have any questions or needs about switching devices, please contact DNG Corp immediately via Hotline 0983 959 796/ 0988 712 159 for the most detailed support.
