Switches Are One Of The Most Important Factors In A Computer Network, And They Connect Different Devices Of The Network.
Layer-3 Network Switch, In this article, we will define the switch, the Layer 3 switch, and the items you should consider before preparing the button. Then, in the following, we will introduce 8 of the best Layer 3 controls available in the Iranian market.
What is a switch?
Switches make it easy to share resources by connecting all devices, including computers, printers, cameras, and servers, to a network. Using the controller, the devices that are related to it can communicate with each other. Without a switch, it is not possible to connect devices to create a small network.
The switch receives packets and directs them to their destination on the local area network (LAN) and, unlike iterative hubs, which send data to all ports except the port they received, recognizes a destination network switch and Sends data only to the port connected to the device (destination).
In essence, a switch is a multiport bridge that uses MAC addresses to send data to the data link layer. (Layer 2) uses the OSI model. Some switches can also send data to the network layer (layer 3) by adding routing capabilities. These switches are called layer three switches or multiplier switches.
What is a Layer 3 Switch?
Simply put, the Layer 3 switch combines the function of a switch and a router. This device can be used as a switch to connect LAN devices or to rout data using routing protocols. This type of switch acts as both a switch and a router. It is why Layer 3 switches are also called multi-lever switches.
Layer 3 switches are faster than regular routers. While giving the network a lot of flexibility, these switches have limitations on routers and sometimes cannot replace the router. You can not wholly eliminate routers, and you will need Layer 3 routers and switches to route traffic in and out of your organization.
Why should we get a Layer 3 switch?
Whether or not you need a Layer 3 switch depends entirely on the size of your network and its configuration. If the answer to any of the following questions is yes, you should consider getting a Layer 3 switch for your business or company.
- Have you configured VLANs on your network? Or do you plan to do so in the future?
- Do separate departments need separate broadcast domains for greater network security and performance?
- Do you have subnets that are connected via a router?
The most important things to consider before preparing a Layer 3 switch:
Number of switch ports
The number of ports on your network switch is significant because it determines the number of devices that can be connected to it. To select the number of switch ports, the number of users or so-called end-users and the possibility of increasing them in the future must consider.
On the other hand, connecting switches to other devices, such as different switches and routers, reduces the capacity of the switch port. Therefore, keep this in mind when choosing the number of switch ports.
How to install and position the switch
The switches can be mounted on a rack, on a wall, or a table. Recount switches are typically designed for professional and rack-mounted environments, such as data centers.
Desktop switches can install on all smooth surfaces and have more variety in the market. Wall switches also have kits for wall mounting.
PoE capability support
Using PoE technology, power is transmitted along with network data over an Ethernet cable. This technology helps reduce costs because you do not need an extra power cord. On the other hand, it protects your devices against high or low voltage. It is pretty flexible because PoE-compatible devices can install anywhere without worrying about having a nearby power outlet nearby. Therefore, support for PoE capability is a significant advantage for switches.
Introducing the best Layer 3 switches
Below is a list of the best Layer 3 switches for medium to large networks. If you are looking for the right switch for your organization or company, we suggest you not miss the list below. In this list, controls are listed more or less based on the number of ports. (If the number of ports is similar, other switch features, such as PoE capability, are considered.)
Cisco WS-C3750E-24TD-S switch
- Number of ports: 24
- PoE capability: None
The WS-C3750E-24TD-S switch is from the Cisco 3750 series, which allows you to increase the switch capacity by stacking up to 9 buttons and has 24 Ethernet ports. This switch is suitable for medium-sized businesses and offers a high performance by providing Layer 3 routing and routing protocols for IPv4 and IPv4. Auto MDI / MDIX technology is supported on the WS-C3750E-24TD-S switch ports, so you no longer have to worry about the cable type.
Microtek CRS125-24G-1S-RM router switch
- Number of ports: 26
- PoE capability: has
The CRS125-24G-1S-RM from the Cloud Router Switch, the new Microtek Smart Switch series, combines the best features of a fully functional router and a Layer 3 switch designed by RouterOS. The CRS125-24G-1S-RM is, in fact, a switch by default and includes all the features of a button, and ports can be removed from the switch settings and used for routing purposes if desired. This switch has 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports, 1 SPF port, and one combination port.
Microtek CSS326-24G-2S + RM smart switch
- Number of ports: 26
- PoE capability: has
The CSS326-24G-2S + RM switch from Microtek has 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 2 SFP + ports that can install in the rack, and in addition to providing switching features, it can also work in Layer 3. These switches are easy to manage and support the sway operating system.
This switch gives you all the essential functions of a manageable switch.
It Supports port-to-port forwarding and MAC filtering, VLAN configuration, and bandwidth restrictions. It also has PoE technology.
DGS-3620-28TC D-Link Switch
- Number of ports: 28
- PoE capability: None
This model from D-Link is a generation of xStack switches that offer excellent performance, flexibility, security, and high reliability for SMB networks, companies, and organizations. The DGS-3620-28TC button has 20 Ethernet ports, 4 SPF + ports, and four combination ports. This switch is a Layer 3 management switch and offers many management capabilities. These switches can be stacked up to 12 units under one IP and can provide a total of up to 576 Gbps bandwidth.
Cisco WS-C3650-48PS-S Switch
- Number of ports: 52
- PoE capability: has
The WS-C3650-48PS-S is part of the Catalyst 3650 series of switches, offering 48 Gigabit POE + Ethernet ports and 4 fixed 1G SFP ports. These switches can be stacked, and up to 9 switches can be stacked. All 48 WS-C3650-48PS-S switch ports support PoE +. PoE + is an advanced feature that enables data transmission and power through a single cable and does not require an additional line to transmit power.
Switch JL262A HPE Aruba 2930F HP
- Number of ports: 52
- PoE capability: has
The JL262A switch from the HP Aruba 2930F series has 48 Gigabit PoE + Ethernet ports and 4 SPF ports. All 48 ports have autosensing features. These Layer 3 switches are easily manageable and support IPv6. With advanced network management and security tools such as Aruba Clear Pass Policy Manager and Aruba Airwave, SMBs are ideal for large companies.
Cisco SG350-52 switch
- Number of ports: 52
- PoE capability: None
The Cisco SG350-52 switch has 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports, two-hybrid ports, and 2 SPF ports. This model from Cisco is also one of the best Layer 3 controllers on the market, which meets the needs of your medium-sized businesses with its advanced capabilities, high performance, and simple management.
Switch DGS-3630-52TC Di Link
- Number of ports: 52
- PoE capability: None
The DGS-3630-52TC switch has 44 Ethernet ports, 4 SPF + ports, and four combination ports. It works in Layer 3 and supports all routing protocols such as OSPF, EIGRP, ISIS for IPv4 and IPv6. Other features supported by this switch are SRM for system resource management and RPS.
The DGS-3630-52TC switch has high performance, flexibility, fault tolerance, and advanced software features for SMBs, SMEs, corporations, and ISPs. D-Link DGS-3630 series switches are also stackable and offer advanced features for business owners.