A Layer 3 switch, also known as a multilayer switch, combines the functionalities of a traditional Layer 2 switch and a router, operating at both the data link layer (Layer 2) and the network layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model. This means that, in addition to the features of a Layer 2 switch, a Layer 3 switch is capable of routing IP packets between different subnets within a network.
While Layer 3 switches can perform many routing functions, they may not have the advanced features or scalability of dedicated routers in extremely large or complex networks. However, for many enterprise and mid-sized networks, Layer 3 switches provide a good balance of performance and functionality.
1
Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series:
Cisco is a major player in the networking industry, and the Catalyst 3850 series is known for its advanced features, stacking capabilities, and high performance.
2
Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series:
Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series: Another popular series from Cisco, offering advanced features and capabilities suitable for various network environments. 9300 offers modular uplinks, support for advanced routing protocols, and is designed for enterprise networks.
3
Arista Networks 7050X
Arista Networks is recognized for its high-performance data center switches, and the 7050X series is known for low-latency and high-density deployments.
4
Juniper Networks EX Series
Juniper’s EX series switches are known for their high-performance and scalability, catering to the needs of enterprise networks.
5
HPE Aruba 5400R
Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s (HPE) Aruba 5400R zl2 series is known for its scalability, modularity, and support for advanced routing features.
Models and Datasheet:
HPE Aruba Networking 5400Rzl2 Switch Series Datasheet (arubanetworks.com)
6
Dell Networking N2000 Series
The N2000 switch series offers a power-efficient Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) network-access switching solution with integrated 10GbE uplinks. With high-performance capabilities and wire-speed performance, utilizing a non-blocking architecture to easily handle unexpected traffic loads, the switches offer simple management and scalability via an 84Gbps (full-duplex) high availability stacking architecture that allows management of up to eight* switches from a single IP address
7
Cisco Catalyst 3750X
Cisco is a major player in the networking industry, and the Catalyst 3750X series is known for its advanced features, stacking capabilities, and high performance.
8
Ubiquiti UniFi Professional Series
Ubiquiti’s UniFi Switches are popular for their ease of use and management, often utilized in deployments with UniFi networking gear.
Models and Datasheet:
9
Brocade ICX 7750 Series
Brocade, now part of Broadcom, offers the ICX 7750 series, known for its scalability, high port density, and support for Layer 3 routing.
10
Extreme Networks X670-G2 Switches
The Summit X670-G2 series from Extreme Networks is known for its high-density ports, low-latency performance, and support for advanced features.