Yes, in many networking scenarios, particularly in environments where the network spans multiple nodes and possibly covers large geographic areas, moving to a Layer 3 network architecture can be very beneficial.

The main reason for doing so is to better manage traffic, improve performance and increase security.

We explain some advantages and considerations:

Improvement in Traffic Management

• Segments: Dividing the network into multiple segments (subnets) allows finer control of traffic, helping to reduce congestion. Each segment can be designed to limit broadcast traffic to that specific segment, which is especially useful in large networks where broadcast traffic can consume a significant amount of bandwidth.
• Efficient Routing: With subnets defined at Layer 3, you can implement routing policies that optimize the path of traffic through the network, improving overall efficiency and reducing latency.

Scalability

• Network Expansion: As your network grows, keeping everything on a single subnet (Layer 2) becomes less practical. Moving to Layer 3 makes it easier to add new segments and nodes to the network without disturbing the existing design.
• Design Flexibility: You can design the network infrastructure to better match the physical and logical organization of your organization, allowing, for example, different subnets for different departments or device types.

Security Improvement

• Segment Isolation: Network segmentation not only helps with traffic management but also with security. By separating network segments, you can apply specific security policies to each segment, limiting the spread of threats within the network.
• Enhanced Access Controls: With inter-subnet routing, you have the opportunity to implement stricter access controls at routing points, ensuring that only authorized traffic can move between network segments.

Considerations

• Complexity: Moving to a Layer 3 architecture introduces greater complexity in network configuration and management. It is essential to have the necessary knowledge to manage this complexity or to have the support of qualified personnel.
• Team: Depending on your current configuration, you may need to invest in equipment that supports Layer 3 routing if your current devices do not support it.
• Design and Planning: A transition to Layer 3 requires careful planning to ensure the network is optimally designed and to prevent connectivity issues.

In summary, moving to a Layer 3 network architecture by expanding your network across multiple nodes and segments can deliver significant improvements in performance, scalability, and security.

However, it is important to weigh these benefits against the complexity and additional resource requirements that such a move entails.