L2 Transport: Dedicated Layer 2 Links Between Data Centers
When is a dedicated Layer 2 link worthwhile? We explain the technology and uses within Frankfurt, within Nuremberg and between both regions.
Last technical update:
An L2 transport (Layer 2 transport) is a dedicated point-to-point link that connects two sites as if they hung off the same switch - with guaranteed bandwidth and without the detour over the public internet.
Layer 2 vs. Layer 3
At Layer 3 (routing) every packet is forwarded across many networks based on IP addresses - flexible, but with variable latency and no bandwidth guarantee. At Layer 2, Ethernet is passed through transparently: your VLANs, MAC addresses and frames reach the other site unchanged. That simplifies architectures and delivers predictable performance.
Typical use cases
- Site interconnect: run two data centers or offices as a single L2 segment.
- Disaster recovery: synchronous replication between primary and backup site.
- Storage replication: low-latency, high-bandwidth mirroring of large data sets.
- High availability: clusters across two sites without complex Layer 3 design.
The technology behind it
High-quality L2 links run over dedicated fiber and DWDM, so bandwidth is physically reserved. VLAN tagging cleanly separates multiple customers and services, and jumbo frames (9000 MTU) cut overhead for large data flows - important for storage and replication.
Metro & intercity at AS51202
We offer dedicated Layer 2 links within Frankfurt, within Nuremberg and between both regions, with guaranteed bandwidth, low latency, VLAN tagging and jumbo frame support. The exact route depends on the requested handoff points and technical availability.
Conclusion
When predictable latency, guaranteed bandwidth and transparent Ethernet between two sites matter, a dedicated L2 transport clearly beats routing over the public internet.