Network Switches Grow Up (continued)
Topology is the term used to describe device configuration. Layer 1 switches are rapidly becoming obsolete; not so much switches as simple hubs, they don't manage traffic, but merely pass it from one network device to another. Slightly more sophisticated, Layer 2 switches can interconnect a small number of devices in a home or office. Layer 3 switches are built on a higher topology still. Often referred to as routers, they increase network efficiency by delivering traffic only to those ports that have been configured to "listen" to that traffic.
There are no Layer 5 or Layer 6 switches. The definition of Layer 7 switches varies from vendor to vendor, but these are typically capable of performing packet inspection at a very granular level while controlling quality of service (QoS) as well as a host of security-related functions.
Enterprises are using the more intelligent devices -- specifically, the Layer 4 and Layer 7 switches -- in the following ways:
- Control user access to applications and other computing resources "The more advanced switches have very granular control over traffic, which allows an enterprise to determine what content goes where and who has access to it," says Petrosky. For example, companies can develop policies that determine which users get access to which applications and databases, and can easily let companies allow or disallow access to specific users very quickly.
- Ensure quality of service (QoS) With the converged voice and data networks that many companies have installed, the more sophisticated (article continues)
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