Colapse core - L3 vs L2???

[m.cotignola]

I am implementing a colapse core design: small data center with 4 closets. I am using two Cisco 6509 (running native IOS) at the core, one Cisco 6509 closet and 3 Cabletron closets.

Should I implement L3 or a L2 between the two core/dist switches? What are your thoughtS???

Thank you,

Miguel

[daniel.bowen]

Both L2 and L3 have their places. Layer 2 will provide speedy transition of packets between the two devices with minimal overhead, whereas Layer 3 will allow for intelligent path selection without the need for STP. Also, Layer 3 will segment the b/cast domains allowing for a more effective allocation of b/width. As I said, there are good and bad points to both.

Daniel,