Which type of switch is called an aggregation switch

An aggregation switch is a high-capacity network switch that consolidates traffic from multiple access switches and forwards it to core switches, operating at Layer 2 or Layer 3.OverviewAn aggregation switch, also called an aggregate switch, serves as an intermediary between access switches and core switches in a network. Its primary role is to collect and consolidate traffic from multiple access switches, wireless access points, servers, or other edge devices, and forward it efficiently to the core network or data center . This helps reduce bottlenecks, improve bandwidth utilization, and simplify network management.Layer OperationAggregation switches typically operate at Layer 2 (data link layer) or Layer 3 (network layer) of the OSI model, depending on the network topology and configuration requirements . At Layer 2, they forward traffic based on MAC addresses, while at Layer 3, they can perform routing functions using IP addresses, enabling more advanced traffic management and segmentation.Key FeaturesLink Aggregation: Supports protocols like Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) or static link aggregation to combine multiple physical links into a single logical connection, increasing bandwidth and providing redundancy .Redundancy and Failover: Multiple paths ensure network reliability in case of link failure.VLAN Support: Enables traffic isolation and improved security by segmenting broadcast domains .High Throughput: Designed to handle large volumes of traffic, making them suitable for enterprise backbones, data centers, and large campus networks .Deployment and TopologyAggregation switches are typically deployed in the distribution layer of a hierarchical network, sitting between the access layer (where end devices connect) and the core layer (which connects to the wider network or internet), . Common topologies include star or fat-tree, and they often connect multiple access switches to a high-capacity core switch, enabling scalable and efficient network architecture .SummaryIn essence, an aggregation switch is a Layer 2/Layer 3 network switch that acts as a traffic consolidator, providing high bandwidth, redundancy, and simplified management. It is a critical component in large-scale networks, bridging the gap between access switches and core switches while ensuring efficient and reliable data flow .