The Difference Between Layer 2 Switches and Layer 3 Switches

With the continuous development of network technology, the performance and functions of switches as core devices in network architecture are increasingly concerned. Layer 2 switches and Layer 3 switches are two commonly used devices in network engineering, each with different characteristics and application scenarios. This article will compare the performance of Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches and explore the main differences between them.

 

What is a Layer 2 switch?

 

A layer 2 switch is also called a switch working at the data link layer of the OSI model. Its main function is to forward and filter data packets and send data frames to the target port accurately by learning MAC addresses. It has the following features:

 

High-speed forwarding : The Layer 2 switch uses hardware forwarding technology to achieve line-speed forwarding and meet the needs of large-scale data transmission.

 

Easy to use : The configuration is relatively simple and suitable for small network environments.

 

Broadcast storm control : Supports Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) to effectively prevent broadcast storms in the network.

 

What is a Layer 3 switch?

 

The Layer 3 switch works at the network layer of the OSI model. In addition to having all the functions of a Layer 2 switch, it can also perform routing selection and enable communication between different networks. It has the following features:

 

Routing function : The three-layer switch can forward data packets based on IP addresses to achieve communication between different VLANs.

 

High-performance routing : uses hardware acceleration technology to provide high-speed routing forwarding capabilities.

 

Rich QoS features : Supports multiple QoS strategies to ensure the transmission quality of key business data.

 

Powerful networking capability : Suitable for large-scale network environments and can realize complex network topologies.

 

The difference between layer 2 switches and layer 3 switches

 

1. Work level:

 

Layer 2 switches work at the data link layer of the OSI model and mainly process MAC address information.

Layer 3 switches work at the network layer and can process IP address information and perform routing functions.

 

2. Different forwarding mechanisms:

 

Layer 2 switching forwards data frames based on the MAC address table.

Layer 3 switching forwards data packets based on routing tables, enabling communication between different IP subnets.

 

3. Different application scenarios:

 

Layer 2 switches are suitable for small to medium-sized local area networks, such as offices, school classrooms, etc.

Layer 3 switches are suitable for enterprise or campus network environments that need to divide multiple subnets and implement complex network strategies.

 

How to choose a layer 2 switch or a layer 3 switch?

 

When choosing a switch, in addition to considering data transmission efficiency, you also need to consider factors such as network size, topology, security requirements, and future scalability. For small networks or application scenarios with high real-time requirements, a layer 2 switch may be more suitable; for large networks or application scenarios that require complex routing functions, a layer 3 switch is more advantageous.

 

JingLi Industrial Switches

 

Jingli is committed to providing customers with diversified products to meet network environments of different sizes and needs .

 

To satisfy the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises for high-speed networks, Jingli provides the secondary switch JLS100-T30-4S10G, which has the following advantages :

• DNI aluminum alloy shell, compact and convenient;
• It conforms to IEEE802.3af/at standard, and the maximum POE power of single port is 30W
• Intelligent standard 48VPOE power supply, self-negotiated power supply according to the terminal type
• Support STP/EAPS/ERPS and other industrial ring networks
• Industrial Ethernet ring network supports node self-healing interval less than 5 ms, ring self-healing time less than 50 ms (typical value)
• Support any two ports can be used to form a self-healing ring network, and support multiple independent self-healing rings
• It provides packet loss protection mechanism, which can quickly recover from network failures
• By providing rate limiting and traffic shaping in the layer 2 QOS function, hierarchical bandwidth service can be provided in the Ethernet service
• It supports SNMP network management platform and cop cloud management platform

 

To satisfy the needs of large enterprises for high-speed networks, Jingli provides the three-level switch JLS200-TU16G4F4X, which has the following advantages :

• Support dual 220V wide pressure industrial power input (optional DC model)
• Support relay alarm, phoenix terminal output
• Service port, management port, power input terminal, relay terminal is located on the front panel of the fuselage, meet the industrial operation specifications; Support industrial ring network such as STP/EAPS/ERPS
• The industrial Ethernet ring network supports the node self-healing interval of less than 5 ms, and the ring self-healing time of less than 50 ms (typical value)
• Layer 3 static routing, Rip/Ospf dynamic routing, and Vrrp virtual routing are supported
• Support for virtual stacking
• Any two ports can be used to form a self-healing ring network, and multiple independent self-healing rings are supported
• Provide packet loss protection mechanism, can quickly recover from network failures Support SNMP network management platform and cop cloud management platform

 

Conclusion

 

When choosing a suitable switch, the key lies in your network construction requirements. If your network environment needs to handle complex data flows, support cross-subnet communication, or implement advanced network management functions, a three-level switch will be a more suitable choice. On the contrary, if your network structure is relatively simple and only requires efficient data exchange within the LAN, a two-level switch can meet your basic needs.

 

Whether your needs are to simplify management, improve network performance or control budget, Jingli can provide the most suitable solution for you. To learn more about our layer 2 switches and layer 3 switches, please feel free to contact us.