Pick an access layer switch that (1) offers enough ports for every wired and PoE device you'll add over the next three years, (2) delivers the speed—1 Gbps for general traffic or 10 Gbps for heavy data—to keep users productive, and (3) includes security and management features that. Pick an access layer switch that (1) offers enough ports for every wired and PoE device you'll add over the next three years, (2) delivers the speed—1 Gbps for general traffic or 10 Gbps for heavy data—to keep users productive, and (3) includes security and management features that. Pick an access layer switch that (1) offers enough ports for every wired and PoE device you'll add over the next three years, (2) delivers the speed—1 Gbps for general traffic or 10 Gbps for heavy data—to keep users productive, and (3) includes security and management features that prevent downtime. When planning an enterprise access network, one of the most common dilemmas is whether to deploy Layer 2 (L2) or Layer 3 (L3) switches. The access layer plays a critical role in connecting end devices—such as computers, printers, IP phones, and wireless access points—to the rest of the enterprise. When choosing access layer switches, there are many points to consider, such as port density, port speed, security, scalability, deployment and management methods, as well as cost. Port density refers to the number of ports available on a single switch. This guide will demystify these roles and help you understand their. Access Layer: The access layer is the layer where access devices are installed. This layer is directly connected to subnets. The access layer consists of layer 3 switches, which take routed and switched data packets from the. The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model is a conceptual framework that describes how network communication works across seven layers.