L2 metro-ethernet connections remove the need

Another myth is that L2 metro-ethernet connections remove the need for using L3 routers or L3 switches. This is also not true. While equipment will operate just fine over your new metro-ethernet gear on L2 without a router.

The whole point is to provide low latency transport. Why send unnecessary broadcast traffic over a metro-ethernet connection that you are probably paying for by Mbps? In most situations routing over your metro-ethernet connection will keep your broadcast traffic down to a bare minimum and help utilize your connection's bandwidth for real traffic, not superfluous packets. This is especially important with more and more nodes on each end of the connection. Routers are not very expensive. If you are paying out hundreds or thousands monthly for a metro-ethernet connection, spend the extra money and get a good router.

December 17, 2011

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