 |
|
| Networking Tips: |
|
|
|
WIDE AREA NETWORKS
Configure WAN protocols on a Layer 3 switch
Tessa Parmenter
05.02.2007
Rating: -3.75- (out of 5)
|
Can you configure WAN protocols on a Layer 3 switch? Learn about Layer 3 switching and how it reacts in a WAN environment in this tip by expert Puneet Mehta and Dr. David Hughes.
Layer 3 switching
From expert Puneet Mehta
Layer 3 switching refers to a class of high-performance routers optimized for the campus LAN or intranet, providing both wire-speed Ethernet routing and switching services.
A Layer 3 switch router performs the following three major functions:
- Packet switching
- Route processing
- Intelligent network services
Compared to traditional routers that are microprocessor based, Layer 3 switch routers are faster, as they use application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) hardware. Layer 3 multiprotocol switches (by default) come with the feature-rich operating system, which includes Layer 3 IP static routing, RIP, RIPv2, VRRP and OSPFv2 routing protocols. Depending on the product vendor, different levels of advanced feature upgrades might be available that will enable you to take advantage of a set of additional routing protocols such as IPX, AppleTalk, DVMRP, PIM-DM/SM,RSVP and other specialized protocols consisting of IPv6, BGP4 and OSI, along with load balancing and firewall features.
On the WAN side
Again, depending on the vendor, an optional Network Services Module (NSM) with a variety of Port Interface Cards (PICs) might be available that will provide Wide Area Network (WAN) connectivity for E1, T1, PRI ISDN, BRI ISDN, asynchronous and synchronous communications, frame relay and X.25. Some of them even provide a Layer 3 IP static routing, RIP, RIPv2, VRRP and OSPFv2 routing protocols. These routing features give the device ability to not only act as a managed Layer 3 switch, but also as a fully specified router with WAN interfaces and capabilities.
Can an L3 switch be used in a WAN environment?
From WAN optimization expert David Hughes
The answer to this question is very situation and vendor specific. Typically an L3 switch has a smaller feature set than a WAN router. Before using an L3 switch for a WAN application you will need to check the following:
- Does your L3 switch have the physical interfaces you require, such as a T1 with integrated CSU/DSU?
- Does your L3 switch provide all the software features you require?
Some examples include frame relay and MPLS support, packet fragmentation and interleave for VoIP, header compression, firewall capabilities, etc. The features that matter most will depend on your individual situation. In general, most people prefer to buy a full featured WAN router as opposed to using an L3 switch so they don't have to worry about being caught without key features.
|
|
Rate this Tip
|
To rate tips, you must be a member of SearchNetworking.com.
Register now
to start rating these tips. Log in if you are already a member.
|
Submit a Tip
|
DISCLAIMER: Our Tips Exchange is a forum for you to share technical advice and expertise with your peers and to learn from other enterprise IT professionals. TechTarget provides the infrastructure to facilitate this sharing of information. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or validity of the material submitted. You agree that your use of the Ask The Expert services and your reliance on any questions, answers, information or other materials received through this Web site is at your own risk.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| TechTarget provides enterprise IT professionals with the information they need to perform their jobs - from developing strategy, to making cost-effective IT purchase decisions and managing their organizations' IT projects - with its network of . |
|
| | |
All Rights Reserved, , TechTarget |
|
|
|
|
|
