Connecting Layer 3 Switch to Internet Router

[peterpan8383]

I am setting up multiple VLAN's in a small to medium size office with 180 hosts.  To do this, I will add a layer 3 switch as a distribution switch to link up multiple L2 switches that have up to 4 VLAN's each.  There are two routers in the office, one connected to an Internet router and the other to a dedicated link to a branch office.  The default gateway of all the hosts are pointing to the internal inferface of the Internet router.  The distribution switch between the internet router and all the access switches will handle all inter-VLAN routing.  

My question is how I should configure the port interface on the L3 switch for connecting to the Intenet router.  Should i set it up as a routed port using "no switchport" with IP assignment, or simply set up an IP on the VLAN that the port belongs to?  

That seems to be a question of routed port vs SVI and there was a discussion on this topic years ago.  I am more leaning towards using the SVI method for simplicity.  Should it be a bad idea in my situation?

https://supportforums.cisco.com/discussion/10149211/svi-vs-routed-port

[Stuart Gall]

personaly in this case I would use a routed port. Though as you say it makes little difference.

The SVI approach gives you more flexability because you can add more devices on the subnet later if you need to.

With a routed port you are not running spanning tree etc over the link. I think it will be slightly more efficient.

[peterpan8383]

Stuart,

You are quite right in stating that a router port would be more efficient as it turns off those unnecessary protocols.

In our situation, the port is used for connecting to an Internet gateway, the slight performance difference does not matter much.  As for inter-vlan routing, there should not be much difference.