Article Overview
Subnet configuration is typically done on the core switch, which acts as the gateway for aggregation and access switches, while aggregation switches primarily handle VLANs and traffic forwarding.
Core Switch Responsibilities
The core switch serves as the central point in a network hierarchy and is responsible for routing between VLANs and subnets. When configuring a subnet:
- Assign the management subnet on the core switch to act as the gateway for downstream aggregation and access switches .
- Enable DHCP server functionality on the core switch if it will provide IP addresses to devices in the subnet .
- Configure static routes for management networks to ensure proper reachability .
- Enable management VLAN auto-negotiation so aggregation and access switches can automatically detect and use the correct management VLAN .
Aggregation Switch Responsibilities
Aggregation switches consolidate traffic from multiple access switches and forward it to the core. Their configuration typically includes:
- VLAN assignment for different traffic types (e.g., video, data) to segregate broadcast domains .
- Link aggregation (LAG) to increase bandwidth and provide redundancy between aggregation and core switches .
- Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) configuration to prevent loops and ensure failover paths .
- Optionally, aggregation switches can have static management IPs within the subnet defined on the core switch, but they do not usually define the subnet itself .
Practical Deployment
- Define the subnet on the core switch (e.g., 192.168.100.0/24) and assign the gateway IP (e.g., 192.168.100.254) for aggregation and access switches .
- Enable DHCP on the core switch if needed, specifying the IP range for downstream devices .
- Configure aggregation switches with VLANs and LAGs to connect access switches and ensure traffic flows efficiently to the core .
- Enable management VLAN auto-negotiation so aggregation switches can automatically join the correct management network .
Summary
- Core switch: Subnet configuration, routing, DHCP, management gateway.
- Aggregation switch: VLANs, traffic forwarding, link aggregation, optional static management IPs.
- This hierarchical approach ensures centralized control, efficient traffic flow, and simplified management across the network .
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