Layer 3 Switch is certainly a familiar product to those who are managing network systems in businesses and organizations. So what is Layer 3 Switch? What is the difference between Layer 2 and Layer 3 Switches? Let’s find out more with DNG Corp in the article below.
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What is Layer 3 Switch?
Layer 3 Switch is a multi-layer switch, also a specialized hardware device that has many things in common with traditional routers. L3 Switch supports routing protocols and inspects information packets, making important routing decisions.
Learn what is Layer 3 Switch?
Features of L3 Switch
Inheriting the features of Layer 2 Switch, L3 Switch is developed with many new outstanding features:
- Performance on two OSI layers: Layer 2 and Layer 3
- Usually has 24 or 48 Ethernet port models, but no WAN interface
- Connect devices in the same subnet
- Use simple switching algorithm
- Routing protocol is not complicated
- How does L3 Switch work?
L3 Switch operates in two main forms: cut-through switching and packet switching.
With the cut-through switching form, L3 Switch only considers the first packet of a type of packet to determine its destination IP address, then switches the remaining packets by their MAC addresses, thereby helping to increase data transmission speed
With the packet switching form, Layer 3 Switch will consider each packet of information to determine its IP address. This switch acts as a high-speed router with routing functionality built into hardware instead of software.
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What is a Layer 2 Switch?
A Layer 2 Switch is a switching device used to connect to terminal devices to provide network connections for internal devices such as computers, laptops, printers, servers, etc.
What is the difference between Layer 2 and 3 Switches?
Layer 2 Switches and Layer 3 Switches are both switching devices, but there are differences between these two types of switches that users need to pay attention to.
The first difference is in price, Layer 2 Switches are usually cheaper than Layer 3 Switches. In addition, the two types of switches have differences in initial setup and configuration. Layer 2 Switches will be set up and managed more easily without requiring advanced configuration.
Sự khác nhau giữa Switch Layer 2 và Layer 3
However, in terms of routing capabilities, Layer 3 Switches allow routing between different network segments, while Layer 2 Switches will limit routing capabilities or not be available in network segments such as VLANs. At the same time, the data transmission speed of L3 Switches is faster than Layer 2 Switches.
Which brand of Layer 3 Switches should be used?
After a long time of use, Layer 2 Switches gradually revealed many limitations, leading to the development and research of L3 Switch products to become the top choice of businesses. So, what are the benefits and disadvantages of Layer 3 Switches? Which brand of products is best to use?
What are the benefits of Layer 3 Switches?
L3 Switches are optimally used for large, complex network systems, bringing the following outstanding benefits:
- Support routing between VLANs
- Improve fault isolation
- Streamline security management
- Best minimize broadcast traffic volume
- Reduce configuration process for VLANs
- Separate routing tables, thereby better dividing traffic usage
- Support users to calculate traffic and provide high-speed scalability
- No need to perform additional hops when going through the router, resulting in lower network latency than older version Switches.
Does a Layer 3 Switch have any disadvantages?
In addition to the outstanding advantages mentioned above, a Layer Switch has the following disadvantages:
Cost: The cost of a Layer 3 Switch is higher than that of a Layer 2 Switch. In addition, configuring an L3 Switch will be more complicated, so the cost will also be more expensive. Therefore, an L3 Switch will be suitable for large enterprises with many, complex network systems and devices.
WAN capability: Layer Switches lack WAN functionality, so to route traffic in and out of the organization, we need both an L3 Switch and a traditional router.
Flexibility: Because L3 Switches route at the access layer, each VLAN will be attached to a Switch. This requires users to plan carefully to prevent a VLAN from using multiple switches.
Currently, many L3 Switch devices have been introduced to the market. However, as a smart consumer, we should use quality products from famous brands such as: Soltech. Some outstanding L3 Switch products of Soltech are: SFC5200A, SFC9248T,…
Nên sử dụng Switch Layer 3 của thương hiệu nổi tiếng Soltech
Effective Switch Management Solution with DNG Corp
DNG Corp is proud to be the leading strategic partner in Vietnam of famous technology brands such as Soltech. DNG is confident in providing your business with Switch management solutions to optimize costs and efficiency.
Contact DNG Corp immediately via hotline: 0983 959 796/ 0988 712 159, email: sales@dngcorp.vn or DNG fanpage for comprehensive Switch consultation, installation and warranty.
