Layer-3 routing or layer-2 switching in Core?

[Torb3n]

Is there anybody who has some performance numbers for what is fastest in the core with a 3-layer model (Core, Distribution, Access)?

Is it fastest with only layer-2 switching in the core, and layer-3 routing in the distribution?

Or layer-3 routing in both core and distribution?

What about advantage and disadvantage for the above?

[milan.kulik]

Hi,

CCDA theory says: L3 on Distribution Layer, L2 on the Core.

But I think it always depends on the network topology (how big is the Core, which protocol, platform, etc.).

Regards,

Milan

[Torb3n]

That's not completly rigth.

Cisco definition of at Layer-3 backbone is when very high performance for handling multimedia applications based on IP unicast and multicast is desired:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/netsol/ns340/ns394/ns147/ns17/networking_solutions_design_guidance09186a00800a386b.html

And for a Layer-2 backbone is when cost effectiveness is a high priority:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/netsol/ns340/ns394/ns147/ns17/networking_solutions_design_guidance09186a00800a3869.html

But what I need is if there exist a performance test for using Layer-3 and Layer-2 in the core.

And if somebody could tell me some of there experience about advantages and disavantages of the two metodes.

Regards,

Torben