In enterprise networking, the hierarchical three-tier model is divided into three distinct roles: access switches (which connect end-user devices to the network via Layer 2), distribution switches (which route inter-VLAN traffic and enforce security policies at Layer . In enterprise networking, the hierarchical three-tier model is divided into three distinct roles: access switches (which connect end-user devices to the network via Layer 2), distribution switches (which route inter-VLAN traffic and enforce security policies at Layer . There are different types of enterprise switches that perform various roles in these layer-based or hierarchical ethernet networks. This white paper introduces the following three types of network switches and further discusses the selection criteria for each switch. Introduction: The Hierarchical Network Model In today's complex IT environments, network design follows a structured approach to ensure. Knowing the roles of core, aggregation, and access switches in contemporary network topology becomes essential to create effective and scalable networks. Choosing the wrong switch for the job is the single most common cause of performance bottlenecks and network failures we see in the field.