Tech & Buying Guide
Layer-2 vs. Layer-3 Network Switches in Industrial Control Systems
- 〡 by WUPAMBO
Modern factory automation relies heavily on robust Industrial Ethernet communications. Control system engineers deploy managed Ethernet switches to connect programmable logic controllers (PLCs), distributed control systems (DCS), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and field I/O devices. Selecting between Layer-2 and Layer-3 switching architecture directly impacts network throughput, routing capabilities, and overall cybersecurity defense in operational technology (OT) networks.










