# Configure the interface connected to the router and corresponding VLANIF interface. port default vlan 2 //Add the interface to VLAN 2. port link-type access //Set the link type of the interface to access. Both devices offer excellent local links, but the best option depends on the size of your network.# Configure the interfaces connected to users and corresponding VLANIF interfaces. That said, if you need a high-speed local connection for numerous workstations, you should go with a Layer-3 switch. Are Layer-3 Switches or Routers Better?įor a small network with only a couple of user devices, a router should suit your needs. So, if you have a vast network, only a tiny fraction of users will get the total bandwidth of a wired connection. Routers have a lower port density when compared to Layer-3 switches, which means you’ll only have a few ethernet ports per router. In addition, most routers offer increased network security and allow for Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections. Routers are great for receiving and sending data over various connection types, including your Local Area Network (LAN). In addition to an ethernet internet connection, modern routers also offer wireless connectivity over multiple frequency bands like 2.4 and 5 GHz. Understanding RoutersĪ router connects a network to the internet by forwarding internet service from ISP’s modem to your local network. In addition, connectivity between network devices will only work over ethernet interfaces, so not all devices will work without a USB ethernet port adapter. Traditional switches have difficulty performing complex routing functions, especially in the wide-area network. For more examples, check out our mashups of Edgerouter X vs Edgerouter X SFP and Ubiquiti Edgerouter X vs MikroTik Hex. Depending on the size of your network, routing between VLANs will cost much less than using a router. The network switch connects a large home or business network over a common network device. They communicate between local destination addresses much quicker than a dedicated router. Layer-3 switches improve network routing performance on large LAN networks. It should be noted that if you are worried about online gaming, read our guide to 5GHz Wi-Fi vs. A premium Layer-3 switch will even offer tens of broadcast domains for faster communication between devices. The Layer-3 switch typically works through a user’s mac-address, forwarding data along with the local network. Understanding Layer-3 SwitchesĪ Layer-3 switch, which can be compared to a router and switch) is a device that sends data between large networks of computers and servers via ethernet ports. Make sure you need a Layer-3 switch because good models can get quite expensive.

Layer 3 switch