Virtual Switch Hierarchy

The virtual switch hierarchy has been enhanced to increase scaling numbers for learning domains and provides for optimized use of system resources. Interface types are central to the concept of virtual switch hierarchies.

Two main types of interfaces are used in virtual switch hierarchies:

• Layer 2 logical interface—This type of interface uses the VLAN-ID as a virtual circuit identifier and the scope of the VLAN-ID is local to the interface port. This type of interface is often used in service-provider-centric applications.
• Access or trunk interface—This type of interface uses a VLAN-ID with global significance. The access or trunk interface is implicitly associated with bridge domains based on VLAN membership. Access or trunk interfaces are typically used in enterprise-centric applications.

  Note: The difference between access interfaces and trunk interfaces is that access interfaces can be part of one VLAN only and the interface is normally attached to an end-user device (packets are implicitly associated with the configured VLAN). In contrast, trunk interfaces multiplex traffic from multiple VLANs and usually interconnect switches.

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