First of all, we need to clarify a concept: access layer switches, aggregation layer switches, and core layer switches are not the classification and attributes of switches, but are divided by the tasks they perform. They have no fixed requirements, and mainly depend on the size of the network environment, the forwarding capability of the device, and the location in the network structure. For example, the same Layer 2 switch may be used at the access layer or the aggregation layer in different network structures. When used at the access layer, the switch is called an access layer switch, and when used at the aggregation layer, the switch is called an aggregation layer switch.
The characteristics and differences of access layer, aggregation layer and core layer
The core layer can provide optimal interzone transmission, the aggregation layer can provide policy-based connectivity, and the access layer can provide user access to the network for multi-service applications and other network applications.
1. Access layer
TUsually the part of the network that directly faces the user to connect or access the network is called the access layer, which is equivalent to the grass-roots employees in the corporate architecture, so the access layer switch has low cost and high-end port density characteristics.
The access layer provides users with the ability to access the application system on the local network segment. The access layer provides sufficient bandwidth for the access between neighboring users. The access layer is also responsible for user management functions (such as address authentication and user authentication) and user information collection (such as IP addresses, MAC addresses, and access logs).
2. Aggregation layer
The Aggregation layer, also known as the distribution layer, is the "intermediary" between the network access layer and the core layer. It is equivalent to the middle management of the company and is used to connect the core layer and the access layer. In the middle position, the convergence layer is done before the workstation accesses the core layer to reduce the load of the core layer devices.
It is not difficult to understand that the aggregation layer, also known as the aggregation layer, has various functions such as implementing policies, security, workgroup access, routing between virtual local area networks (vlans), and source or destination address filtering. In the aggregation layer, a switch that supports Layer 3 switching technology and VLAN should be used to achieve network isolation and segmentation.
3. Core layer
The core layer is the backbone of the network, which guarantees the performance of the entire network, and its equipment includes routers, firewalls, core layer switches, etc., which is equivalent to the top management in the corporate architecture.
The core layer has always been considered as the final receiver and aggregator of all traffic, so the core layer design and network equipment requirements are very strict, its function is mainly to achieve the optimal transmission between the backbone network, the backbone layer design task is usually the focus of redundancy, reliability and high-speed transmission. Therefore, it is necessary for the core layer devices to adopt dual-system redundancy hot backup, and the load balancing function can also be used to improve network performance. The control function of the network should be implemented on the backbone layer as little as possible.
The difference between the access layer switch, the aggregation layer switch and the core layer switch is the key point of the above knowledge. The switch mentioned above belongs to the hot-selling communication products in Shenzhen HDV Phoelectron Technology LTD., such as: Ethernet switch, Fibre Channel switch, Ethernet Fibre Channel switch, etc., the above switches can be used in a variety of environments, to provide more choices for users with different needs, welcome to come to understand, we will provide the best quality service.
