What Is an Aggregation Switch

Smooth and efficient data flow is no longer a luxury but a necessity in a world that majorly depends on data. Most businesses, if not all, increasingly depend on their networks to support their growing devices, apps, and ever-increasing data traffic. This surge in demand may cause network congestion, which occasionally affects network performance and user experience. This is where aggregation switches come on board as the perfect solution. A good example is the Cisco-Meraki Switches, which offer powerful features that work together to streamline network efficiency and performance for businesses of all sizes. But first, before we go any further, what is an aggregation switch, and what does it do?

What Is an Aggregation Switch?

To understand what an aggregation switch is, you have to look at an enterprise network design. It’s usually established in a hierarchical structure based on the number of connected devices. The network construction generally includes three levels namely: access layer, aggregation layer, and core layer.

Let’s start with the access layer – it connects devices that help the company run like computers and printers. Meanwhile, the core layer is at the top of the food chain, handling high-level network access-it’s like the CEO of the company.

Now, back to the aggregation layer, where the aggregation switch falls. It’s like the project manager or central traffic manager of the network. Aggregation switches manage and combine data from access layer switches into a single, high-bandwidth and transmit it to the core layer switch. This reduces congestion on the access switch connection and ensures a smooth flow of data throughout the network.

What Is an Aggregation Switch Used For?

As we said before, the aggregation switch sits in the middle of the network hierarchy, controlling data transmitted from the lower-level access layer. At the same time, it reports the data to the top layer or core layer. What you get is a more effective flow of network traffic and increased network performance.

But for better understanding, let’s dive more into the core functionalities of aggregation switches, which include the following:

• Increased Bandwidth: Aggregation switches bundle up several connections, boosting the bandwidth, unlike a single connection. This means the network can support intensive applications like video conferencing, cloud-based services, and large file transfers.
• Improved Network Efficiency:  This switch reduces the number of connections between access and core switches, thus streamlining network traffic. It makes it easier for companies and businesses to manage and troubleshoot their network, as their fewer potential issues.
• Enhances Scalability:  As a company’s network grows and the number of devices connected increases, this switch makes it easier to add more access switches without overloading the core layer. Basically, with an aggregation switch, you can scale your network to adapt to future demands.

Why Should a Business Implement Aggregation Switches in Their Network?

Simply put, every business, company, or enterprise needs an aggregation switch in its network. It reduces congestion and increases bandwidth, which translates to a faster flow of data. The network also becomes more responsive to its users.

The second point is that aggregation switches simplify network management. Since it sits between the access and core layers, the switch automatically becomes an intermediary, enhancing the distribution of network traffic. This arrangement might seem simple, but fewer connections reduce network congestion or downtime, leading to easier management and troubleshooting.

Last, we can’t ignore its potential to reduce business expenses (of course, on matters related to the network). Aggregation switches are a cost-effective solution, as you will not need to upgrade your core switch capacity to handle growing bandwidth demands.

Closing Thoughts

So, we have learned that an aggregation switch sits between the access and core switches. It helps to enhance network flow and performance. This aside, it creates a great opportunity for enterprises to scale their network based on the number of users and devices being used. The icing on the cake is that aggregation switches improve network reliability by reducing congestion and downtime. Let’s not forget it’s a cost-effective solution for networks with an ever-increasing number of users.