Industrial Layer 3 managed Ethernet switches

Industrial routing and network segmentation for scalable Ethernet networks
Industrial Layer 3 managed Ethernet switches from Westermo.

Westermo's managed Layer 3 industrial Ethernet switches combine advanced switching and routing capabilities to support secure and resilient industrial networks. Features such as inter-VLAN routing, subnet communication and network segmentation enable efficient traffic management between network segments and distributed sites.

Designed for demanding industrial applications, Westermo Layer 3 switches combine rugged design, secure and reliable communications, and advanced routing capabilities to support resilient communication across segmented and distributed networks.

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FAQs about Layer 3 switches

An industrial Layer 3 switch combines Ethernet switching and IP routing in one device. It manages traffic within the local network while routing communications between VLANs, subnets and network segments. Industrial Layer 3 switches are designed to provide secure and reliable connectivity in demanding applications where environmental robustness and network availability are essential.

Use a Layer 3 switch when devices in different VLANs, subnets or network segments need to communicate. A Layer 2 switch provides segmentation and traffic management within the switched network, while a Layer 3 switch adds routing between those separated networks. This makes Layer 3 switching suitable for larger or distributed industrial infrastructures that require controlled communication between operational systems and sites.

Inter-VLAN routing enables controlled communication between devices assigned to different VLANs. VLANs create separate broadcast domains at Layer 2, while Layer 3 routing provides the path between them. In an industrial network, this allows systems to remain logically separated while exchanging the operational data they require.

Network segmentation divides an industrial network into smaller, controlled sections based on systems, functions or operational requirements. This can limit unnecessary traffic, improve visibility and reduce the extent to which a fault or unwanted communication affects the wider network. Layer 3 switches add controlled routing between segments, allowing required communications without removing the underlying separation.

Layer 3 switches use routing to enable controlled communication between VLANs, subnets and network segments. This allows industrial systems to remain logically separated while still exchanging the data required for monitoring, control and operational processes. In distributed industrial networks, Layer 3 switching helps maintain visibility, security and control over communications between different parts of the infrastructure.

Routing helps industrial networks grow by allowing multiple VLANs, subnets and network segments to be connected without increasing unnecessary network traffic. As applications, devices and sites are added, Layer 3 switches help maintain structured communications, improve traffic management and support scalable network architectures that can adapt to changing operational requirements.

How to choose an industrial Layer 3 managed switch


When selecting a Layer 3 managed industrial switch, consider network segmentation requirements, routing needs, subnet design and the number of sites or network segments that need to communicate. Industrial applications often require secure routing, resilient communications and reliable operation across distributed networks and demanding environments. Westermo Layer 3 switches are designed to support secure communication between VLANs, subnets and network segments while maintaining visibility and control across the network.

Use the filters above to compare Westermo Layer 3 managed switches by connectivity, speed, input voltage, mounting options, approvals and supported standards.

If you need guidance in selecting the right industrial Layer 3 managed switch for your network, feel free to contact us for product advice and application support.

Looking for simpler network segmentation and traffic management without routing between network segments? Explore our Layer 2 managed Ethernet switches.

Carl de Bruin

International Sales

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