I took on a networking project and had to expand my IT knowledge base. I’ve set up and worked on simple networks a lot over the years, but nothing that required five ‘hops’ through managed switches to connect a server and a workstation. One of the things that trips me up is terminology around switches ‘higher’ or ‘lower’ in the hierarchy of a network (referenced to the incoming internet connection which is most of my experience), but that terminology isn’t accurate when you are building out a ring and spokes style intranet.
Since this is both a technical and language question and I had already described my network setup for help configuring a switch, I thought it would be a perfect questions for Microsoft Copilot [1]. Here’s what it came up with:
Network Switch Terminology
1. **Core Switches**
– **Location**: These switches are typically located at the center of the network.
– **Function**: They handle high-speed data transfer and aggregate traffic from multiple access and distribution switches. Core switches are crucial for the backbone of the network.
2. **Distribution Switches**
– **Location**: Positioned between core switches and access switches.
– **Function**: They aggregate traffic from access switches and forward it to core switches. Distribution switches often handle routing and policy enforcement.
3. **Access Switches**
– **Location**: Located at the edge of the network, closest to end devices like computers, printers, and IP phones.
– **Function**: They provide connectivity to end devices and typically handle lower-speed traffic compared to core and distribution switches.
4. **Edge Switches**
– **Location**: These switches are positioned at the boundary of the network, often connecting to external networks such as the ISP or the internet.
– **Function**: They manage traffic between the internal network and external networks, ensuring secure and efficient data transfer.
Summary
– **Core Switch**: Central switch aggregating traffic.
– **Distribution Switch**: Intermediate switch handling routing and policies.
– **Access Switch**: Switch providing connectivity to end devices.
– **Edge Switch**: Switch at the network boundary connecting to the ISP.
This terminology helps in understanding the roles and locations of different switches within a network.