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The layer 2 managed switch operate on the data link layer and the layer 3 switch on the network layer. Among these, layer 2 switches are one of the key requirements for any high speed network. As the converged networks grow in size, and density of data networks increases, the demand for layer 3 switches increases, too. This article explores these two switch types, their typical features, and their applications in modern data networks.
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Layer 2 and Layer 3 Switches Features and Applications Discussed
Introduction • Industrial Network Switches are used to connect different devices in a network. These switches form the basis of several high speed data networks. • The Open System Interconnect (OSI) model operates on seven layers: • Application Layer • Presentation Layer • Session Layer • Transport Layer • Network Layer • Data Link Layer • Physical Layer
Introduction to Layer 2 and Layer 3 Switches • The layer 2 managed switch operates on the data link layer and it is one of the key requirements for any high speed network. • The layer 3 switch operates on the network layer. If the converged networks grow in size and density, the demand for Layer 3 Switches also increases. • This article explores these two switch types, their typical features, and their applications in modern data networks.
Introduction to Layer 2 Switches – • The working of Layer 2 Switches is based on layer 2 of OSI Model which acts as a bridge to interconnect networks on its MAC layer. • They build tables for transferring the frames among networks • The most familiar Layer 2 Protocol is Ethernet. The Layer 2 Ethernet Switches are faster as compared to routers. • The devices connected in the Ethernet Network possess MAC Address, which generally doesn’t change. 18-Port PoE Fiber Switch (Layer 2)
Features of Layer 2 Switches – • In LAN Networks, Layer 2 switches can transport data easily and rapidly between the client and the host. • These switches identify the MAC address of the destination node from the address table given in the switch. • The data frames are arranged on the basis of this MAC address. • The switch splits highly dense and bulky LAN networks into various small VLAN networks. • These multiple VLANs make switching easier in a large LAN network. • To remove the bridging loops, switches and bridges communicate with each other using the STP.
Applications of Layer 2 Switches – • Layer 2 smart switches help in improving internal communications within an organization. • These switches are used to configure the hosts on the same LAN, which reduces the need for Internet connection. • With the help of Layer 2 Switches software companies can put their servers centrally at one particular location. The clients can access the data easily without latency, thus save the server cost and time. • Software professionals also use these switches for keeping and sharing their tools at one location.
Advantages of Layer 2 Switches – • Improved security and low latency • Low cost is incurred for installation of these switches • It helps to forward packets based on MAC address • L2 switches flow accounting capabilities
Introduction to Layer 3 Switches • Layer 3 Switches use IP addresses and subnetting for routing data packets to the destination. • These Layer 3 Switches work as the 3rd layer in the OSI reference model. • Layer 3 switches have faster switching speed than layer 2 switches. • IP addresses of the devices change regularly as they are generated dynamically. • The most common example of these switches are Routers. • These switches route the data frames from the host to the client by following the IP addresses of the client device.
Features of Layer 3 Switches – • While transferring data between multiple VLANs, these switches perform static and dynamic routing. • This dynamic routing enables switches to optimize packet routing. • Multiple paths are offered to the switch in real time. • The switch can choose the most effective path for delivering these data packets. • Layer 3 switches are becoming a popular choice for applications where data security is highly important.
Applications of Layer 3 Switches – • These switches are commonly used in the fast growing campuses, organizations, as well as data centers, where high density networking is involved. • Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches can accommodate any number of users if used in combination. The combination becomes an ideal choice for the fast-growing enterprises, where high speed networks are implemented. • They can support bandwidth-hungry end-user applications and resources. • Layer 3 switches are used in several high density WANs comprising overloaded routers. In such networks, each individual switch is configured with a main router. • The layer 3 switches can single handedly manage traffic controlling and routing in LANs utilizing bandwidth hungry devices.
Advantages of Layer 3 Switches – • Provides ease of security management • It improves fault isolation • Lower Network Latency • Configuration process becomes easy for VLANs • Separate routing tables helps in segregating traffic better • Offers high-speed scalability
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