I manage a network between two locations: a larger main campus and a smaller branch about 15 miles away, connected via dedicated leased fiber. The branch only has around 10 devices with low traffic and no servers. Both sites use Meraki equipment. We're considering replacing the Layer 3 switch at the branch with a cheaper switch and moving VLANs and interfaces to the main campus's core switch. The small campus would still have its own VLANs, but they'd be managed from the main campus. I'm wondering if this is a smart move or if we'd regret it later. Are there ways to mitigate potential downsides? I've heard of others doing this without issues, but I've always been advised to keep interfaces local to their physical sites.
2 Answers
Honestly, transitioning to a smaller switch at the branch seems minor compared to the leased fiber you already have. With just 10 devices and no servers, that dedicated link feels like overkill. Saving on operational costs by switching to a cheaper switch would probably outweigh the downsides.
Before making this switch, check with your ISP about Layer 2 connectivity. I wouldn't recommend spanning Layer 2 over your ISP unless it's essential. You might end up needing MPLS or VXLAN for tunneling, which can complicate things. I recently had to downsize some SVI's to access layer switches because managing spanning tree protocol (STP) can be a headache with Layer 2 connections.
But in this case, since it's dedicated fiber that you're leasing, ISP involvement is minimal. It's like having a direct line between buildings on the same campus, which simplifies it a bit.