About Ethernet switching modes

In the data center, the Ethernet network's switching latency requirements are achieved by using one of the following two Ethernet switching modes. These Ethernet switching modes forward data packets at layer 2.

  • Store-and-Forward switching mode

  • Cut-Through switching mode

Store-and-Forward switching mode

Store-and-Forward is the default switching mode and is used in most of the applications. The switch operating in Store-and-Forward switching mode waits until each frame is received, checks each frame for cyclic redundancy check (CRC) errors, and then forwards the frame. The switching speed in Store-and-Forward switching mode is slower than the switching speed in Cut-Through switching mode.

Cut-Through switching mode

Cut-Through is disabled by default. Cut-Through switching mode is typically used in latency-sensitive applications. The switch operating in Cut-Through switching mode starts forwarding the frame as soon as the switch reads the destination details in the packet header.

When Cut-Through switching mode is enabled, each packet is dynamically analyzed and the packets that are not eligible are sent using the Store-and-Forward switching method.

Cut-Through switching mode is available for HPE Virtual Connect SE 100Gb F32 Module for HPE Synergy.