If you’re an industrial automation professional, you know that the quality of your network infrastructure is paramount in ensuring your operations run smoothly. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right switches for your system. Two of the most common types of networking switches are Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches. Both have their pros and cons, but what exactly is the difference between them? In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of industrial networking and learn about Layer 2 vs. Layer 3 switching and how they work together in a secure industrial network.
Layer 2 switches
Layer 2 switches are used to forward traffic between two or more devices on the same network layer. A Layer 2 switch uses hardware-based forwarding to make decisions about where to send traffic. This makes it much faster than a software-based router, which must look up the destination address in a table and then make a decision about where to send the traffic.
Layer 2 switches can also be used to provide redundancy in a network. If one link goes down, the switch can automatically reroute traffic over another link.
Layer 3 switches
Layer 3 switches are devices that perform network routing and switching, which means they can move data between different parts of a network. Layer 3 switches also support Quality of Service (QoS), which allows them to prioritize certain types of traffic.
Pros and cons of each type of switch
There are several types of industrial switches, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Here is a rundown of the pros and cons of each type of switch:
-DIN Rail Mounted Switch: These switches are easy to install and maintain, making them a popular choice for industrial applications. However, they can be more expensive than other types of switches and are not always as rugged or durable.
-Panel Mounted Switch: Panel mounted switches are more rugged and durable than DIN rail mounted switches, making them a good choice for applications where reliability is critical. They can be more difficult to install and maintain, however, so they may not be the best choice for all applications.
-Keypad Switches: Keypad switches offer an intuitive interface that can be easy to use, even for complex applications. They can be more expensive than other types of switches, however, and may not be as rugged or durable.
-Foot Pedal Switches: Foot pedal switches offer a hands-free interface that can be beneficial in some industrial applications. They can be more difficult to install and maintain than other types of switches, however, so they may not be the best choice for all applications.
When to use a Layer 2 switch vs. a Layer 3 switch
Layer 2 switches are typically used in smaller networks, where there is less need for advanced routing features. Layer 3 switches are better suited for larger networks, where route optimization can provide a significant performance boost.
Conclusion
We hope this article has been a helpful guide to understanding the differences between layer 2 and layer 3 industrial switches. It is important to understand the features of each type in order to make an informed decision when selecting an industrial switch for your network. Both have their own advantages that can be beneficial depending on your specific needs, so make sure you consider all aspects before making your final choice.
