What is Aggregation Layer in Networking?

I. One of the most time-tested rules for network design is this:

Switch wherever you can, route wherever you must. In essence, networks should be deployed by utilizing switching technology wherever it is possible, interconnected by routers only wherever it is required. Of course, the definition of “required” could vary a great deal as well as change over time as different network fads come in and out of the fashion. A good start would be to break up networks into different zones, separating user access networks, whether they are staff or guest, from data centers. These separations are considered to be logical points for routers and, in some cases, firewalls. Even though many users would spread through a building might look similar to many servers in a data center, the networks would have very different performance as well as reliability requirements. By creating a clear separation, network managers would be able to focus on designing networks that are fit for purpose rather than over-engineering or under-engineering. Before we discuss about the Distribution and Aggregation Layer, let me make you one thing very clear, that there are lots of things needed to be considered in networking, which you cannot just read and acquire, you are needed to go through immense training, which you could obtain through the training module offered by the SPOTO.

II. Aggregation layer vs Distribution layer

distribution layer

In small networks of a few hundred users, edge switches could be connected redundantly directly to the core switch or router devices. However, for larger networks, an additional layer of switching, which would be called the distribution layer, aggregates the edge switches. The main goal of the distribution layer is simply to cable the reduction and network management, taking the many uplinks from edge switches as well as aggregating them into higher speed links. If edge switches are being chosen so that each wiring closet has only a single redundant uplink, then the distribution layer is generally to be placed next to the network core, with a minimum of two devices connecting to each wiring closet However, if the edge switch topology creates multiple redundant uplinks As for illustration, if non-stacked switches are selected or if there are an enormous number of connections in each wiring closet, then an aggregation layer which is really just another distribution layer can be placed in each wiring closet. 

aggregation layer

The aggregation layer connects to the uplinks of the edge switches and is uplinked to the distribution layer toward the network core. In small networks, uplink speeds of about 1Gbps might even become satisfactory, depending on the total number of user devices which would be served by each wiring closet and the application demands on the network. Wiring closet uplink speeds of greater than 10Gbps would be required only in very unexpected cases. Aggregation as well as distribution layer switches which are generally selected over edge switches for their greater reliability as well as the larger feature set. While the aggregation or distribution layer should always be redundant, devices at this layer would be offered nonstop service, like in-service upgrades and hot-swap fan as well as power supply modules. Aggregation and distribution layer switches which would also have more stringent performance requirements, which would be including lower latency and larger MAC address table sizes. This is considered because they might be aggregating traffic from thousands of users rather than the hundreds that one might find in a single wiring closet. 

These are some details about the Aggregation Layer n Networking, but if you wish to have more knowledge regarding the same, you could do it by gaining the training courses that are offered by the SPOTO. They are the best when it comes to the courses related to Information Technology and lots more.

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