Hey everyone! Let’s talk about the real MVP of any serious network—the core switch. A ton of folks get halfway through a build and suddenly go, “Wait… is this thing Layer 2 or Layer 3? Did I pick the wrong one?” Trust me, picking wrong hurts later.
Today we’re breaking it down super casually but with real 2026 insights, spotlighting HoweVis gear because their switches are reliable, packed with features, and actually deliver on what they promise.
What is a core switch?
Core switches have an integral role in the network. They can be considered the backbone of the network.
A core switch is a high-capacity switch that integrates with the other switches and acts as a backbone of the network. Usually, complex network systems at the offices and data centers utilize the core switch to divide the traffic. It has numerous features like routing the traffic and improving the performance.
Which layer is the core switch?
The core switch is the physical core layer. It can be considered a central network layer that performs all the functions, like monitoring traffic and empowering the whole system. In actuality, there are three primary layers of a complex network.
- Physical core layer
- Distribution layer
- Access layer
When it comes to the naming of switches, you can use the layer name as a prefix—for example, distribution switches, access switches, and core switches. I suppose you understand why we call a core switch “core.
What Exactly Does a Core Switch Do?
Straight up: the core switch is the main artery of your whole network. Every floor, every department, every rack—traffic funnels through it. It doesn’t mess with connecting individual laptops or cameras; its job is lightning-fast forwarding of massive amounts of data without ever choking.
Think of it like this:
- Access switches = the security booths at neighborhood entrances
- Distribution switches = the property management hubs per building
- Core switch = that massive downtown interchange that keeps everything moving
In 2026, we’re talking 40G, 100G, even 400G ports as standard on good ones. HoweVis nails this with their Layer 3 managed series that handle 10G/40G uplinks super smoothly.
Why do we use core switches in the network?
Core switches are not simple Ethernet switches. Instead, they play a significant role in network maintenance. Here are some of the top positions of a core switch in the network.
The core switch acts as a backbone.
- Every complex network has multiple switches. To enable traffic, you must establish a core switch in the physical core layer. The core switch plays the leading role and supports other switches. Therefore, it is a high-capacity switch that accomplishes all the tasks while controlling traffic flow.
The core switch performs a routing function.
- The core switch has two significant features — bridging and routing. Usually, layer 3 switches offer such features. The core switch can receive the data packets, analyze them, define their routes, and transfer them. All this happens over the IP address of both devices — host and destination.
Core switches can improve the performance of the network.
- What does a router do? Reduce network traffic and improve performance, right? It is what you can expect from the core switch as well. Being a high-capacity switch, it can speed up the data without badly affecting the performance. Isn’t it great?
Core switch simplifies the network.
- Do you have a complex network consisting of more than 10 computers? You need a core switch to manage your traffic and simplify the network. A core switch provides a connection to the devices and other switches. Overall, the system becomes more simple and easy to manage.
Are there any benefits of a core switch?
You must be thinking about the benefits of core switches. Am I right? No worries. I can help you determine all the benefits of the core switch.
The core switch can provide high-speed data up to 100GBs per second.
- Do you need high-speed data? Problem resolved. Use the core switch. It can provide high-speed data, up to 100GB per second. Impressive, right? Such high-speed data is always a great advantage at data centers or in intensive units. It can help you browse the internet smoothly and transfer heavy files over the data connection.
It creates the collision domains to improve the overall performance.
- Collision domains divide the traffic. In more extensive networks, the major problem is high traffic, which might impact the network’s performance. To remove this problem, we need to employ routers. However, there is no need for the router for core switches. So, a core switch can reduce the traffic and improve the network’s performance.
The core switch cuts down your cost on the router.
- The core switch offers two primary roles: bridging and routing. It performs as a bridge. When it comes to network performance, the core switch is your router. You don’t have to purchase routers when there is a core switch in the network. The key is how the core switch can cut prices and provide you with the ultimate solution.
It employs various security protocols.
- Nowadays, the ratio of cybercrimes has increased. The reason behind this is the excessive use of online resources. We need the internet to manage the data at offices, institutions, or industrial zones. Are you sure your WiFi is not vulnerable to cyber-attacks? WiFi networks are prone to attack by hackers. In the case of core switches, this problem doesn’t exist at all. Do you know why? Because the core switch involves several security protocols like SSH, SSL, and RADIUS. You can enjoy safe internet browsing.
L2 vs L3 Core Switch: Quick 2026 Reality Check Table
| Feature | L2 Core Switch | L3 Core Switch (like HoweVis series) |
|---|---|---|
| Looks at… | MAC addresses only | IP + MAC addresses |
| Routing? | Nope—needs an external router | Built-in (static, OSPF, BGP, you name it) |
| Best for… | Small offices, single-floor, flat networks | Mid-to-large enterprises, data centers, multi-site |
| Inter-VLAN routing | No way—requires Layer 3 help | Handles it natively |
| Latency | Ultra-low (pure switching) | Slightly higher but modern ASICs make it negligible |
| Price tag | Cheaper upfront | Higher, but way more future-proof |
| 2026 sweet spot | Industrial rings, edge setups | Campus nets, cloud backbones, HQ cores (HoweVis shines here) |
What are the applications of a core switch?
The core switch offers flexibility to the networks at the data centers. Being significant support for the web, you can find these switches at places like
- Data centers to manage the data and transfer
- Industrial areas consisting of multiple devices to power the computers
- Enterprises to store the data of clients and employees
The basic fact behind core switches is their routing feature and high capacity. In networks, they connect with the distribution and access switches and aggregate the traffic flow.
