![]() ![]() In the meantime, the power supply can be replaced with a new one while the other one keeps operating as usual. With the redundant power supplies, the distribution switches can still operate normally without affecting the network traffic even if one power supply fails. It is suggested that distribution switches should support multiple and hot swapping power supplies so as to achieve higher availability. Redundancy is an important issue to consider for distribution switches. If the packet forwarding rate is too low, the distribution switch will not accommodate full wire-speed communication. It is often the case that the forwarding rate of distribution switches is higher than the access switches. It is a critical factor to consider when choosing a distribution switch. The forwarding rate embodies the processing capabilities of a switch in the form of the data number that a switch process per second. Since the core layer has a heavy task to handle the forwarding of the extremely high volumes of traffic, distribution switches with Layer 3 functionality are deployed to ease the workload of the core switches. The traffic generated from the access layer devices needs to be segmented into VLANs, requiring the upper-class switches to provide inter-VLAN routing functions so as to enable the multiple VLANs to communicate with each other. It is always the responsibility of distribution switches to process Layer 3 data. With the general factors such as port type, port density and port speed considered, the following section will focus on the switch forwarding rate and functions that the distribution layer requires. It also complete the conversion of various protocols (such as aggregation and redistribution of routes, etc.) to ensure that the core layer connects areas running different protocols.įactors to Consider When Choosing Distribution Switches A distribution switch handles local routing, filtering, traffic balancing, QoS priority management, and security mechanisms, IP address conversion, traffic shaping, and multicast management based on the user traffic of the access layer, according to which then forward user traffic to the core switching layer or route locally. ![]() In this condition, one can save the overheads, relieve the maintenance burden, and network conditions are also easier to monitor.Ī distribution switch aggregates the traffic from the access layer, and forward and switch the data packets. However, aggregation switch is not a must-have in every situation, and access switches can be connected directly to the core switch without passing through the aggregation switch, especially when there is a short transmission distance, and the core layer has enough access ports to connect directly to the access layer. The switch working in the distribution layer is called distribution switch which receives traffic from the access layer and forwarding it to the core layer, determining the workgroup access as well as providing policy-based connectivity. Distribution layer devices also often manage individual branch-office WAN connections. Routing, filtering, and QoS policies are managed at the distribution layer. The distribution layer is the smart layer in the three-layer model. The access layer provides initial connections to end users. The distribution layer connects the access layer to the core layer. It provides a high-speed connection between different distribution layer devices. The core layer is the backbone of the network. The Cisco three-layer hierarchical model contains three layers: core, distribution, and access. This article will introduce what the distribution switch is and how to select the right distribution layer switches for your enterprise network. Unlike access switches, distribution switches do not provide any service to end devices. Switches connected in this layer are known as the distribution switches. The distribution layer is the second layer of the Cisco three-layer hierarchical model. ![]()
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