Layer 2/3 Switching & Routing
Diversify & Grow
Layer 2 and layer 3 are adopted from the Open System Interconnect (OSI) model which is a reference model for describing and explaining network communications. Layer 2 and Layer 3 refer to different parts of IT network communications.
Layer 2 is the data link where data packets are encoded and decoded into bits. Layer 3 provides switching and routing technologies, creating logical paths for transmitting data from node to node. The functions of Layer 3 switch combine some of a Layer 2 switch and some of a router.
In essence, they are three different devices designed for different applications, which are significantly dependent on the functions they can provide, but they also have some similarities in their functions. The main difference is the routing function.
As network complexity increases and applications demand great functions from the network, layer 2/3 switching and routing offers additional routing functionality .Layer 2 advantages include lower costs, only requires switching, no routing gear is necessary and offers very low latency. Layer 3 devices restrict broadcast traffic to the local network. This reduces overall traffic levels by allowing administrators to divide networks into smaller parts and restrict broadcasts to only that sub-network.
When thinking about Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches, you should think about where it will be used. If you have a pure Layer 2 domain, you can simply go for Layer 2 switch; if you need to do inter-VLAN routing, then you need a Layer 3 switch.
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About Techgardens
Techgardens is a leading systems integrator founded in 2009 with headquarters in New York City. We specialize in IT consulting, cyber security, network infrastructure, enterprise storage, and cloud computing solutions. Techgardens selects the best technology to appropriately match IT solutions that provide efficiency and return on investment. Our team of engineers design and build customized IT solutions that meet the unique needs of our customers; exceeding their expectations.
Our technical team has over 50 years of combined experience working in the financial, healthcare, education, government, legal, manufacturing, media, energy and retail verticals. We are staffed with CISSPs, Network Engineers and Systems Administrators with offices in New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Illinois and North Carolina. We serve customers and industries throughout the US.
