Enterasys Networks VH-2402-L3 manual Functions of a Layer 3 Switch

distributed infrastructure and a logical management structure, network performance becomes easier to measure and fine-tune.

With the completion of the migration of the backbone to Gigabit or higher-performance technologies, the result is inherently scalable and easily evolved for future technologies.

This core network will also become the termination point for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for remote office access to the enterprise infrastructure.

The VH-2402-L3 can then be thought of as accomplishing two objectives. First as a tool to provide high-performance access to enterprise data servers and infrastructure, and second, to enhance the performance of network equipment already installed. Many network segments display poor performance, but the Ethernet wire is only carrying a fraction of its total traffic capacity. The problem is not the network, but the ability of the connected devices utilize the full capacity of the network. The VH-2402-L3 can eliminate network bottlenecks to high-traffic areas, and improve the utilization of the network’s installed bandwidth.

The Functions of a Layer 3 Switch

Traditional routers, once the core components of large networks, became an obstacle to the migration toward next-generation networks. Attempts to make software- based routers forward packets more quickly were inadequate.

A layer 3 switch does everything to a packet that a traditional router does:

•Determines forwarding path based on Layer 3 information

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