What is Core Switch and How to Choose？

What are core switches, and how do we choose the right one? These questions often arise when navigating the complex world of networking. A network core switch is a vital element in network architecture, facilitating seamless data flow and efficient communication. In this article, we will explore the fundamentals of the core switch and provide valuable insights into the process of selecting the ideal core switch for your network needs. Join us as we embark on this journey to understand what a core layer switch truly is and discover how to make an informed choice.

 

What is a Core Layer Switch?

A network core switch is an essential component of a network, typically located in the backbone or central area. It is responsible for high-capacity data transfer and plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of the network. Acting as a gateway to the Wide Area Network (WAN) or the Internet, the fiber core switch facilitates connections to servers, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) through routers, and the aggregation of all other switches. To effectively handle the traffic directed to it, a core layer switch must have significant power and capacity, making it essential to be a fast, full-featured managed switch.

 

How Does Core Switches Work?

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

 

Network Traffic Aggregation

Network core switches perform the crucial duty of aggregating network traffic from various sources, consolidating and managing it efficiently.

 

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 establishes connections between different segments and subnets within a network, enabling seamless communication and data transfer.

 

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 network switches are designed to handle high-speed and large-scale network environments, providing scalability to meet growing network demands while maintaining efficient performance.

 

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. In comparison to regular switches, these layer 3 core switches boost significantly larger cache capacities. Consequently, even during periods of burst traffic, the ample cache ensures that the network can forward packets without any loss.

 

Virtualization

The core layer switch enables the virtualization of actual data, transforming it into manageable online resources. Equipment virtualization encompasses various technologies, such as multi-virtual-one, one-virtual-multi, and multi-virtual-multi. Leveraging this technology allows for the centralized management of multiple network devices and the independent operation of businesses on a single device. Ultimately, this approach reduces costs and enhances resource utilization.

 

The aforementioned points highlight the benefits of employing a network core switch. In the event of a network failure, this equipment guarantees the reliability and integrity of data transmission by facilitating two-way data flow and enabling network self-healing. The core switch exhibits robust scalability, supporting multiple interfaces and facilitating bus network implementation. Moreover, it features an internal automatic alarm function that promptly notifies relevant personnel of any failures, ensuring timely maintenance. This convenience allows for efficient remote management and maintenance.

 

Comparison: Core Switch Vs Distribution Switch Vs Access Switch

Switches can coexist within a network and work together to ensure unlimited network speed while performing their respective roles at each layer. Let's explore the differences between the core, distribution, and access switches and understand their unique characteristics and contributions to network functionality.

 

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？

In essence, core layer switches are typically layer 3 switches known for their exceptional performance, availability, reliability, and scalability. When selecting a network core layer switch for an enterprise network design, it's important to consider more than just basic specifications like port speed and types. The following factors should also be taken into account:

 

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 prioritize redundancy to support their high workloads and mitigate potential challenges. Due to their increased workload, core layer switches generate more heat than switches in other layers, requiring a robust cooling system. Redundant cooling systems are commonly implemented in core switches to maintain optimal operating temperatures. In addition, redundant power supplies play a critical role in preventing network downtime during hardware replacements or power outages. With redundant power supplies, one can seamlessly take over if the other fails, ensuring 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

As enterprise networks experience increasing volumes of voice and video traffic, ensuring efficient network performance becomes crucial. Core layer switches equipped with QoS capability address the challenge of network congestion. By allocating bandwidth based on application characteristics, QoS guarantees prioritize critical time-sensitive traffic over non-time-sensitive data, minimizing packet loss and maximizing data forwarding. This enables seamless transmission of important traffic with high performance and reliability while maintaining optimal network functionality for all applications.

 

Selecting the ideal enterprise layer 3 of the core switches requires consideration of several factors discussed earlier. To make an informed decision, it is recommended that you speak with switch vendors. Understanding the specific features and services offered by vendors will further assist in selecting the most appropriate network core switches for your network environment. Taking these steps will ensure a well-informed and wise choice for your enterprise network infrastructure.

 

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

 

In summary, understanding what a core switch is and how to select the right network core switches are critical to your network infrastructure. Core network switches serve as the backbone of a network, providing reliable and scalable connectivity. When selecting layer 3 of the core switches, factors such as performance, redundancy, and QoS capability are critical. By implementing a well-chosen fiber core switch, organizations can ensure efficient and seamless network operations. Make informed core layer switch decisions to optimize your network performance.