Implementing Layer 3 at the edge of a LAN can have many benefits including increased network security, greater availability and improved network utilization, but it’s not always clear where Layer 3 routing should be used in the LAN. Traditionally, Layer 3 routers were at the core of the networks and acted as gateways to the Wide Area Network. As technology, pricing and availability have changed, Layer 3 routing has moved closer to the edge of the network.
Our white paper discusses when to employ a Layer 3 switch at the edge of a network and gives definitions and applications for several widely used routing protocols including RIP, DVMRP, PIM and OSPF.
Topics covered in our Layer 3 white paper include:
Layer 2 Switching vs. Layer 3 Routing
Defining Layer 3 Routing Protocols
- Routing Information Protocol (RIP)
- Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)
- Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP)
- Distance Vector Multicast Routing Protocol (DVMRP)
- Protocol Independent Multicast (PIM)
- Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP)
Layer 3 Routing Applications
- Assigning static IP routes to VLAN/Sublets
- Routing between Layer 2 VLAN
- Routing on high-speed uplinks to the core
- IP multicast routing with IGMP and DVMRP
- PIM-DM multicast routing in the LAN
- PIM-SM multicast routing protocol
- OSPF to route IP traffic through LAN into the core router
- VRRP in the LAN
Download our Layer 3 Routing at the Network Edge white paper.
View all of our free white papers.
