However to deal with "border" or "edge" of the network where there are less spanning tree or trunking (less Layer-2) or where there is a need for Layer-2 network termination (edge network), a router is used since a router is basically designed to handle traffic across the border or the edge network.įor more info, you can check out the following FAQ: The idea of creating Layer-3 switch is basically to efficiently do inter-VLAN routing or to do internal routing between multiple broadcast domains (multiple LAN where each LAN has its own subnet) while keeping Layer-2 features such as spanning tree and trunking.
What is router on a stick cisco series#
In smaller environment, companies use something like 800, 1800, or 2800 series router as the Internet router and/or WAN router to their private WAN point-to-point, Frame Relay, or MPLS network while they use Catalyst 3560 series Layer-2/3 switches for local routing between different departments or between servers and hosts, and for some Spanning-Tree with Layer-2 access switches (if any). As for their "internal network", they use layer-3 switches (usually Catalyst 6500 series).
What is router on a stick cisco full#
This statement becomes more apparent when dealing with larger network like an ISP or large corporation.Įxample in ISP is that they use routers (at least 7600 series) to have full view of BGP (the edge router).
Likewise, you want to use a switch when when most of the time the device does switching.
In general, you want to use a router when most of the time the device does routing.