Cisco’s Layer 3 switching technology is widely used in large enterprise networks for WANs. Tag switching, which is a part of this technology, uses tags or labels for forwarding data. This system employs Tag Edge Routers placed at the edge of the network to control all the routers in the backbone.
The Tag Edge Routers add specific data, which is easy for internal backbone routers (Tag Edge Switches) to scan, to each packet at predetermined locations in the header. This saves time on packet decoding and related database lookups.
What are the benefits of Tag Switching in Cisco Networks?
- Improved Performance: Tag switching reduces the time required for routers to make forwarding decisions, thereby improving network performance.
- Better Scalability: It also enhances the network’s scalability by eliminating the need for complex network protocols and reducing the overhead associated with packet forwarding.
- Increased Security: Tag switching helps prevent traffic from entering the network from unauthorized sources, thereby improving the overall network security.
Implementing tag switching technology in Cisco networks makes it easier to manage and optimize the network’s performance, enabling enterprises to achieve their business objectives more efficiently.
FAQs
What is Tag Edge Router?
The Tag Edge Router is placed at the edge of the network and controls all the routers in the backbone.
What is the purpose of Tag Edge Switches?
The Tag Edge Switches scan the data added by Tag Edge Routers at predetermined locations to save time on packet decoding and related database lookups.
What are the benefits of Tag Switching Technology?
Tag Switching Technology provides improved performance, better scalability, and increased security in enterprise networks.
Conclusion
Tag switching is an efficient way to manage large enterprise networks that require high-performance and security. It reduces the time required for routers to make forwarding decisions, makes packet forwarding less complex, and enhances the scalability of the network. Overall, tag switching technology provides a plethora of benefits and is an excellent addition to Cisco’s Layer 3 switching technology.
