The access layer consists of layer 3 switches, which take routed and switched data packets from the distribution switches and then route them to the access devices in subnets. The access devices in subnets can be modems, video display units, receiver audio phones, IP-based. The access layer plays a critical role in connecting end devices—such as computers, printers, IP phones, and wireless access points—to the rest of the enterprise network. This article. Pick an access layer switch that (1) offers enough ports for every wired and PoE device you'll add over the next three years, (2) delivers the speed—1 Gbps for general traffic or 10 Gbps for heavy data—to keep users productive, and (3) includes security and management features that prevent downtime. The access layer should be responsible for some user management functions (such as address authentication, user authentication, and billing management) as well as user information collection in large and medium-sized networks. This guide will demystify these roles and help you understand their. Is it wrong to configure access layer switches as layer 3 instead of layer2 as all the latest 9200 9309 series essential switches are layer 3 by default ie ip routing is enabled hence i define interface vlan ip for all vlans being spanned through network and ip route to core for routing instead of.