Difference between an access switch and aggregation switch?

[Jared-StratusIT]

Hi There, 

I would like to know what the difference is between the access switches and an aggregation switch. We are looking at a environment where we are quoting on 2 x MS225-48LP switches and the MS425-16 switch as the core switch. 

I cannot find many explanations of the term "aggregation switch" 

- Does this switch operate as a normal switch? (Layer 3 , VLANs, LACP etc) 

- Can i manage it the same as i would the MS225? 

- Is it just a term being used and i am completely over thinking it 🙂 

Thanks in advance

[DarrenOC · Accepted solution]

You’re over thinking it @Jared-StratusIT  😁

Your MS425’s will be your core or in your case a collapsed core (aggregation and core) and the other switches will be your edge.

Aggregation switches as the name implies aggregate multiple edge devices which are then passed through to your core.

[Jared-StratusIT]

Thanks very much for clearing that up @DarrenOC 

Really appreciate it. Excited to work with some Meraki equipment.