How To Choose The Right Network Switch: A Clear Comparison Of L2, L2+ and L3

Selecting the right network switch is crucial for optimizing network performance and security. This guide provides an overview of the three main types of switches—L2, L2+, and L3—and explains their typical applications. Moreover, we offer insights into how FS switches can address these needs, helping you make an informed choice for you.

What are L2, L2+, and L3 Switches?

Layer 2 (L2) Switches: Enabling Basic LAN Connectivity

Layer 2 (L2) switches are an important part of the network and operate at the data link layer of the OSI model. They handle data transfers within a local area network (LAN) by forwarding packets based on MAC addresses. When a packet arrives, the L2 switch records the source MAC address and the corresponding port in the dynamic MAC address table. This process allows the switch to route data directly to the appropriate port, reducing network congestion and improving performance. In addition, L2 switches support virtual local area networks (VLANs), which divide the network into different broadcast domains. This segmentation enhances security and prevents network overload by restricting broadcast traffic to specific areas. Ideal for small to medium-sized networks, L2 switches are known for their simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

Layer 2+ (L2+) Switches: Adding Advanced Routing Capabilities

L2+ switches enhance traditional L2 switches with advanced features to improve network performance, management, and security. These switches provide greater control over network traffic through enhanced VLAN management and port mirroring, making network monitoring and troubleshooting more efficient. They include Quality of Service (QoS) features to prioritize critical traffic, ensuring optimal data flow and responsiveness. Access Control Lists (ACLs) offer fine-grained control over data access to protect sensitive information. Moreover, L2+ switches support detailed network segmentation by creating subnets within VLANs, balancing performance, security, and cost.

Layer 3 (L3) Switches: Integrating Full Switching and Routing

L3 switches integrate advanced routing capabilities with high-performance switching, operating predominantly at the OSI model's network layer (Layer 3). They facilitate efficient inter-VLAN routing and seamless communication across different VLANs or subnets. Supporting dynamic routing protocols like OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP, L3 switches enable adaptive routing solutions, optimal path selection, and network resiliency. They also offer advanced network management and monitoring tools for comprehensive performance and health insights. L3 switches are crucial for enterprise networks requiring high throughput, robust security, and scalable routing. The chart below illustrates a thorough description of the fundamental features and differences between L2, L2+, and L3 switches, helping you quickly understand their distinctions:

L2, L2+ and L3 Network Switch Selection Guide

L2 Network Switch Selection Guide

When your network environment requires only basic administration and maintenance, focusing on network isolation and flow management, and your criteria include consistent performance, ease of configuration, and cost-effectiveness within a limited budget, L2 network switches are an ideal choice. For small and medium-sized business networks, branch office networks, and data center access layers, FS L2 switches offer exceptional solutions. Here are three popular models from FS:

S2805S-8TF:

Features 8 ports, intelligent management capabilities, basic VLAN and network management functions, and a fanless design for a quieter operation.

S2805S-8TF-P:

Builds on the S2805S-8TF with PoE support, making it ideal for powering network devices.

S2805S-24TF-P:

Offers higher PoE power and additional uplink ports, suitable for large-scale network deployments.

Equipped with an intuitive, easy-to-use Web GUI management interface that makes network configuration and management quick and easy, these switches meet the needs of growing small and medium-sized networks. They offer increased security through VLANs and a compact, easy-to-install design. FS's L2 switches ensure that your network infrastructure is scalable and reliable.

L2+ Network Switch Selection Guide

L2+ switches represent an advanced iteration of traditional Layer 2 switches, incorporating static routing and enhanced network management features while maintaining cost-effectiveness. These switches apply in office networks, inter-department connections, educational institutions, small offices, and high-density equipment access layers. FS's L2+ switches offer compelling solutions for these environments.

S3410-48TS-P

＆

S3410-24TS-P:

These models are equipped with PoE+ functionality, powering network devices directly. They support high-density ports and offer up to 740W of power, making them suitable for environments requiring extensive PoE support.

S3410-48TS:

Focused on high-density connections, this model provides numerous Gigabit Ethernet ports and multiple 10Gb SFP+ uplinks, making it perfect for large-scale deployment.

All models feature the PicOS® platform, and advanced network capabilities like MLAG, and Broadcom chips, ensuring robust performance and flexible management.

L3 Network Switch Selection Guide

Layer 3 (L3) switches are state-of-the-art networking devices that integrate advanced routing features, high bandwidth, and superior performance to support application scenarios. These switches are well-suited for enterprise core networks, data centers, and high-speed network environments. Equally, FS could offer more diverse and cost-effective choices in L3 switch types and solutions. FS L3 switch portfolio includes the following series:

N8550 Series: The series applies to data center environments that require large-scale and high-performance network connectivity. The

N8550-48B8C

provides eight 100Gb ports with 48 25Gb ports, and the

N8550-32C

and

N8550-64C

have 32 100Gb and 64 100Gb ports, respectively, realizing high-bandwidth and high-density ports in a physical sense.

N8560 Series: Dominated by the

N8560-32C

and

N8560-64C

, are equipped with 100Gb ports with MLAG, Stacking, and RoCE support, and are designed for modern data centers that require high bandwidth and excellent scalability.

N5850 Series: The

N5850-48X6C

and

N5850-48S6Q

in the N5850 series offer a balanced mix of 10Gb and 40Gb connectivity, ideal for mid-sized data centers or enterprise networks. It offers multiple configurations to meet different performance needs.

These switches come with PicOS® pre-installed with comprehensive SDN features and the compatible AmpCon™ management platform, delivering a more resilient, programmable, and scalable network operating system (NOS) with a lower TCO. This integration helps to minimize downtime and reduce the need for time-consuming manual tasks. Additionally, they support MLAG, EVPN-VXLAN, EVPN Multihoming, and LLDP, ensuring both system-level redundancy and network-level resiliency.

Making the Right Choice

In summary, selecting the appropriate switch for your network is a crucial decision that can significantly impact its performance and security. A thorough understanding of the features and applications of L2, L2+, and L3 switches will enable you to make an informed choice, ensuring optimal network performance and efficiency. Check out our free custom design service, if you are looking for tailored solutions to meet your specific networking needs.