When should I consider using a Layer-3 network over a Layer-2 network?

Whether to use a Layer-3 or Layer-2 Software-Defined Networking (SDN) network depends on the specific needs and requirements of your organization. However, there are several reasons why you may want to consider using a Layer-3 SDN network over a Layer-2 SDN network:

1. Support for advanced routing protocols: Layer-3 SDN networks provide support for advanced routing protocols such as OSPF and BGP, which can provide greater flexibility and control over network routing. This can be particularly important for service provider and large-scale enterprise networks, where routing policies can be complex and constantly changing.

2. Improved network segmentation: Layer-3 SDN networks provide better support for network segmentation and can help to improve network security by isolating different types of network traffic. This can be particularly important for organizations that handle sensitive data or have compliance requirements that require strict network segmentation.

3. Greater control over network traffic: Layer-3 SDN networks provide greater control over network traffic, making it easier to implement advanced traffic engineering and Quality of Service (QoS) policies. This can help to improve network performance and reduce latency, which can be particularly important for latency-sensitive applications such as online gaming and cloud computing.

4. Enhanced scalability: Layer-3 SDN networks are highly scalable and can support thousands or even millions of network devices and endpoints. This makes them well-suited for large-scale service provider and enterprise networks that require high levels of scalability and flexibility.