Before buying a Layer 3 switch, check these specs
If you are shopping for a Layer 3 switch, first see if the switch meets all, or at least most, of the following criteria:
If you are shopping for a Layer 3 switch, first see if the switch meets all, or at least most, of the following criteria: IP switching and routing isn't the only function that Layer 3 switches perform. New models can also handle protocols such as Novell IPX, AppleTalk, XNS and IBM SNA. Because Layer 3 switches support current routing protocols, they should participate as peers of software-based routers in IP or other networks. This is the ability to broadcast multimedia traffic such as streaming video. Simple Network Management otocols let diverse network gear communicate. The various levels of advanced RMON, or remote monitoring, protocols give network managers the ability to manage their Layer 3 switches remotely from a central console along with other network equipment. The industry-standard Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 802.1D spanning tree protocol protects against network loops and provides redundant network paths. Port trunking sets backbone links by treating multiple parallel links as a one backbone pipe. Network redundancy is thus provided, as traffic on any failed link automatically switches to other links. Virtual LANs allow PCs, servers and other network resources to be organized into logical domains so that only devices within the same domain can communicate with each other. The IEEE 802.1Q standard enables switches to automatically learn VLAN configurations. Flow control is a feature that eliminates dropped packets on congested ports. The IEEE 802.3x standard supports flow control in full-duplex situations. The newest category of Layer 3 switches includes support for Layers 4 and above of the Open Systems Interconnection model. This ensures a full measure of traffic control and contributes to the ability of the switches to provide advanced quality-of-service support. This may include dual CPUs in some cases, but it may also mean dual or backup power supplies and redundant cooling fans. Interface modules holding various port configurations and other components may be swapped without shutting down the switch.
Multiprotocol support.
Peer router support.
Multicast control.
Management support.
Spanning tree support.
Port trunking.
VLAN support.
Flow control.
Layer 4 support.
Fault tolerance.
Hot-swappable.
'J.B. Miles
 | The AT-9180 from Allied Telesyn International is a Gigabit Ethernet-only switch with eight ports. |
Multiprotocol support.
Peer router support.
Multicast control.
Management support.
Spanning tree support.
Port trunking.
VLAN support.
Flow control.
Layer 4 support.
Fault tolerance.
Hot-swappable.
'J.B. Miles
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