What is Core Switch and How to Choose？

What is a core switch? How do we choose the right core switch? Do you have such questions when you approach switches? This article will explore the core switches and provide valuable insights on how to choose the ideal core switch for your network needs. Join us on this journey to understand what a core layer switch really is and learn how to make an informed choice.

 

What is a Core Layer Switch?

A core switch is a high-performance network switch located at the core layer of the network architecture. It is mainly responsible for high-speed forwarding and management of large amounts of data traffic from various aggregation layer switches. It usually has powerful processing capabilities, high bandwidth, and abundant port resources. It is an indispensable key device in building large-scale enterprise networks, data centers, or operator backbone networks, ensuring the efficient and stable operation of the entire network.

 

How Does Core Switches Work?

The following sections describe how the network core switches operate in a network environment.

 

Network Traffic Aggregation

Core switches play a key role in pulling together traffic from different parts of the network and handling it all in a smooth and organized way.

 

High-Speed Data Forwarding

Core layer switches are responsible for processing and forwarding data packets rapidly and efficiently, utilizing advanced switching technologies.

 

Interconnectivity

A core switch links different parts and subnets of a network, making it easy for data to flow and devices to talk to each other smoothly.

 

Routing and Traffic Management

Fiber core switches employ routing protocols to determine optimal paths for data transmission and effectively manage network traffic.

 

Redundancy and Stability

Core layer switches implement redundant configurations and protocols to ensure network stability, preventing disruptions in the event of link failures.

 

Scalability and Performance

Core switches are made to power through heavy traffic and support large, expanding networks—all while keeping performance fast and reliable.

 

Network Security

Core switches incorporate security measures to protect against unauthorized access and data breaches, safeguarding the integrity and confidentiality of network traffic.

 

Advantages of a Core Switch

Core switches are seldom required in residential settings. Typically, their use becomes necessary when a certain number of computers have been connected within the network. These switches possess the capability to expand the network and enable the connection of multiple computers for seamless operations. What are the benefits of employing network core layer switches?

 

High Capacity

While ordinary switches may suffice for interconnection needs, they fall short in terms of service identification and control, thus failing to guarantee service continuity. On the other hand, high-capacity core switches are capable of meeting the demands of data centers and can function reliably even when dealing with high service volumes.

 

Large Cache

Ordinary switches employ the out-port cache mode, but with technological advancements, network core layer switches have transitioned to a distributed cache architecture, enhancing device memory. Compared to regular switches, Layer 3 core switches have much bigger cache sizes. That means even when traffic spikes, they can keep forwarding data without dropping any packets.

 

Virtualization

The core layer switch allows the virtualization of real data, turning it into manageable online assets. Hardware virtualization includes numerous technologies, like multi-virtual-one, one-virtual-multi, and multi-virtual-multi. Using this technology permits the centralized management of multiple network devices and the independent functioning of businesses on one device. Ultimately, this method lowers expenses and improves resource usage.

 

Comparison: Core Switch Vs Distribution Switch Vs Access Switch

Different types of switches can work together in the same network, each doing its part to keep things running at top speed. Now let's break down the roles of core, distribution, and access switches to see what makes each one unique and how they all contribute to a smooth, efficient network.

 

Core Switch Vs Distribution Switch

The core switch provides superior reliability, functionality, and throughput compared to the distribution switch. Its primary objective is efficient routing and forwarding, creating an optimized and reliable backbone transmission infrastructure. 

 

Conversely, the distribution switch acts as a centralized exit point for access nodes, performing routing and forwarding tasks as needed. The distribution switch must have sufficient capacity to handle all of the traffic originating from the access devices.

 

In addition, small and medium-sized networks typically use a single core layer switch (or two for redundancy), while multiple distribution switches are used at the distribution or aggregation layer.

 

Core Switches Vs Access Switches

The lower the switch layer, the more devices it connects, resulting in a significant disparity in the number of ports between access and layer 3 of the core switches. Access switches are responsible for connecting various end-user devices such as IP phones, PCs, and cameras. In contrast, the core layer switch typically connects to a limited number of distribution switches.

 

In addition, higher port speeds are required as we move up the switch hierarchy. Like a river flowing into the ocean, the access switch relies on the greater throughput capacity of the core switch to handle the data packets. Most modern access switches are equipped with 10/100/1000 Mbps copper ports.

 

How to Choose a Network Core Switch？

Fundamentally, core layer switches are generally layer 3 switches recognized for their outstanding performance, availability, dependability, and scalability. While choosing a network core layer switch for an enterprise network design, it's vital to consider more than just fundamental specifications like port speed and types. The following aspects should also be considered:

            

Performance in Core Layer Switch 

In enterprise networks, the packet forwarding rate and switching capacity of the network core layer switch are of great importance. Core switches are expected to provide the highest possible forwarding rate and switching capacity compared to access layer switches and distribution switches. The specific forwarding rate is closely related to the number of devices in the network.

 

A bottom-up approach based on distribution layer devices can be used to select network core layer switches that meet the network's requirements. Network designers can analyze the traffic flow from the access and distribution layers to determine the required forwarding rate for layer 3 of the core switches. By carefully examining these factors, one or more appropriate core switches can be identified for the network.

 

Redundancy in Core Switches

Network core switches need to consider redundancy. Due to the increased workload, core layer switches generate more heat than other layer switches, so a powerful cooling system is required. Core switches adopt redundant cooling systems to maintain optimal operating temperature. In addition, redundant power supplies play a vital role in preventing network downtime during hardware replacement or power outages. With redundant power supplies, when another power supply fails, the other power supply can seamlessly take over to ensure uninterrupted network operation.

 

Reliability in Layer 3 of the Core Switches

Layer 3 of the core switches, which operate at Layer 3, play a critical role in network performance. To ensure reliability and security, network operators should implement network core switches with advanced Layer 3 DDoS protection and use link aggregation for efficient traffic delivery. Fault tolerance is critical to prevent network-wide disruptions, and protocols such as VRRP and HSRP provide communication reliability. In multicore switch environments, features such as MLAG protect against single switch failures, ensuring uninterrupted network connectivity.

 

QoS Capability in  Network Core Switches

When enterprise networks see growing volumes of voice and video traffic, ensuring effective network performance is key. Core layer switches with QoS capability resolve the issue of network congestion. By assigning bandwidth according to application attributes, QoS ensures prioritization of vital time-sensitive traffic over non-time-sensitive data, reducing packet loss and boosting data forwarding. This allows for seamless transmission of crucial traffic with high performance and reliability while upholding ideal network functionality for all applications.  

        

With an understanding of how to choose a network core switch, let's now shift our focus to the core layer switch solutions offered by QSFPTEK.

       

    

Conclusion

     

Simply put, knowing what a core switch does and how to pick the right one is key to building a solid network. Core switches are basically the backbone—they keep everything connected and running smoothly. When you're choosing a Layer 3 core switch, it's important to look at things like speed, reliability, and how well it handles traffic. The right fiber core switch can really help your network stay fast and efficient. So, take the time to choose wisely—it'll make a big difference in how your network performs.