How to Choose the Right Access Layer Switch?

A typical enterprise hierarchical LAN campus network design includes access layer, distribution layer, and the core layer. In each layer, the enterprise switches are categorified, among which the access switch is a key part at which local end-users are allowed into the network. This article will introduce what the access switch is and how to select the right access layer switches for your enterprise network.

What is the function of the access layer?

The access layer, as the lowest layer of the hierarchical internetworking model, is also referred to as the desktop layer. It plays the role of connecting end-users or end nodes such as PCs, printers, wireless access points to the network. The access layer is supposed to facilitate the continuous network connection of the end devices no matter where they are located. In the meantime, the design of access layer must take consideration of the upper layer connections. The access layer must ensure security as the first layer as well as the first line of defense for the network.

What does an Access Layer Switch do?

As the physical entity of the access layer, access switches are responsible to connect both to the distribution layer switches and to the end devices as well as ensure the packets are delivered to the end devices. Besides ensuring the persistent connection of end users as well as the upper distribution and core layers, an access switch is expected to meet the requirement of access layer including simplifying the network management, providing security services and other specific functions according to the different network environments.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Access Layer Switches for Enterprises

When choosing access layer switches, there are many points to consider, such as port density, port speed, security, scalability, deployment and management method, as well as cost. Let's learn them one by one.

Port Density

Port density refers to the number of ports available on a single switch. An access layer switch should support high port density since it is connected to a large number of end-users and devices. It is essential to consider how many devices are required to connect to the access layer, then decide how many switch port number you will need for the access layer.

Port Speed

The port speed of the access switch is the primary concern to end-users. Most access switches come with 10/100/1000Mbps ports. Whether to use Fast Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet depends on the specific requirements of your network. Though Fast Ethernet is enough for IP telephony and data traffic on most small to medium enterprise networks, its performance is much lower than Gigabit switches. Moreover, it is vitally important to choose high bandwidth uplink ports in case that the uplink port is oversubscribed when the required bandwidth is greater than the available maximum bandwidth to distribution layer switches. Therefore, you’d better choose the access layer switches with suitable port density and types as needed.

Security

Since the access layer is the network edge, it plays a critical role in defense for security. Access control services such as 802.1x must be supported in access layer switches to secure your LAN. Furthermore, access switches should support the segmentation of traffic through VLANs. IP source guard, DoS protection and other techniques should also be provided to prevent security from attacks.

Scalability

The number of users in an enterprise network changes over time, therefore it is imperative to think about how many users will the network require in the future. The network design needs to meet the requirement for the enterprise environments in three to five years so that the access switches you choose can provide the opportunity for the network upgrading smoothly as time goes by. Stackable switches such as FS S3910 series stackable switches are good choices for greater scalability in case of future use, because they allows up to four ones stacked to working as one unit, then you will get at most 192 1G rj45 ports for use. Network managers can stack these Gigabit switches anytime to expand the number of connected devices when the network size grows.

Simplified Deployment and Management

In a high-density access network environment, it is important to consider simplifying the network deployment and management of numerous end devices. Accordingly, access switches should be fast to deploy and easy to manage for network administrators. PoE technology is normally provided as an option for simpler deployment to enable access layer switches to supply power to end devices such as wireless APs and security cameras, providing simplified deployment to a large number of devices in the access layer. FS Gigabit PoE+ switches offer easy management and maintenance with many management modes such as Web GUI and CLI supported for more efficient installation and management.

Cost

Pricing usually depends on the number of ports. Generally you’re looking at $250-$300 for 20 ports without PoE support. PoE models cost more, but if you’re planning on using your switch for Internet telephony, it is a nice feature to have.

Another factor may influence the cost is the type of the access layer switch. If you want to buy a network switch designed with fiber optic ports rather than rj45 ports, you need to take into consideration the cost of optical modules.

Conclusion

Overall, access switches are supposed to feature with simplicity, reliability, and security. When selecting the access layer switches, the primary step is to assess your business needs, and choose a product that best addresses these specifications.

Related Articles:

How to Choose the Right Core Switch?

How to Choose the Right Distribution Switch?

Multi-Gigabit Switch for Growing Enterprise Campus Network