Tag: l2

All are by packets

Posted on by lechuck park

From Claude with some prompting
Let me explain this network diagram which illustrates packet processing and various network devices:

  1. Network Components:
  • Internet: Shows L3-L7 packet flowing
  • Router: Handles L3 routing and packet control
  • Firewall/IPS/IDS: Manages L3/L4 base packet control and L7 packet analysis/control
  • Switching: Performs Ethernet(L2/L3) switching and L2/L3 packet control
  • Server/Client: Handles packet send & receive (L1-L7), packet making and analysis
  1. Key Issues:
  • COST Concerns:
    • ALL operations are packet-based
    • Performs L1-L7 packet collecting/analysis/switching/routing
    • Multiple devices perform many duplicates of the same functions (L2, L3-L4 packet collecting/analysis/switching/routing)
  1. Suggested Improvement:
  • Mentioned in “IF Possible” section:
    • Consider aggregating all packets and manipulating them from central controls
    • This could potentially reduce redundancy and improve efficiency
  1. Key Message:
  • There are many types of packet processing devices on the network
  • Redundancy occurs as each device performs similar functions
  • Need to explore possibility of centralized packet management system

The diagram effectively highlights the complexity and redundancy in modern network architecture while suggesting a potential path toward more efficient packet processing through centralization.

This visualization emphasizes how current network infrastructure might benefit from consolidation of packet processing functions to reduce duplicated efforts and potentially lower costs.

Switching/Routing L2-L7

Posted on by lechuck park

From Gemini with some prompting
The image illustrates how network switches differentiate packets from Layer 2 (L2) to Layer 7 (L7) based on the OSI model. The central image depicts a switch or router forwarding a specific packet, highlighting the criteria used for identification at each layer.

Layer-by-Layer Explanation:

L2 Switch:

  • Distinguishing criteria: MAC address
  • Function: Frame switching
  • Key feature: Uses hardware-based switching for fast performance
  • Limitation: Does not consider network layer information

L3 Switch:

  • Distinguishing criteria: IP address
  • Function: Packet switching, routing
  • Key feature: Supports inter-VLAN routing and network segmentation
  • Limitation: Does not utilize L4 and L7 information

L4 Switch:

  • Distinguishing criteria: TCP/UDP port number
  • Function: Packet switching, load balancing
  • Key feature: Facilitates application-specific traffic control and load balancing
  • Limitation: Disregards L7 information

L7 Switch:

  • Distinguishing criteria: HTTP URL, payload
  • Function: Application gateway, content filtering
  • Key feature: Offers granular control over application-level traffic and security
  • Complexity: Requires more complex configuration and management