What is a Core Switch? A core switch is the primary switch installed at the backbone of a layered or hierarchical network. Engineered to aggregate massive volumes of data from distribution switches, it provides ultra-low latency and maximum throughput to ensure uninterrupted routing and packet. A core switch is the backbone of a large-scale network, designed to handle massive volumes of traffic with ultra-low latency and maximum reliability. It can do one. This model divides the network into three functional layers: the Access Layer, the Distribution Layer, and the Core Layer. The Access Layer sits at the edge, using switches to connect end-user devices like computers, printers, and wireless access points.