{"id":13793,"date":"2024-10-22T08:52:54","date_gmt":"2024-10-22T08:52:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/?p=13793"},"modified":"2024-10-22T08:53:10","modified_gmt":"2024-10-22T08:53:10","slug":"layer-3-switches-vs-routers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/layer-3-switch-vs-router.htm","title":{"rendered":"Layer 3 Switches vs. Routers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_76 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/layer-3-switch-vs-router.htm\/#Layer_3_Switch\" >Layer 3 Switch<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/layer-3-switch-vs-router.htm\/#Router\" >Router<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/layer-3-switch-vs-router.htm\/#Layer_3_Switches_vs_Routers\" >Layer 3 Switches vs. Routers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/layer-3-switch-vs-router.htm\/#Unique_Functions_of_Routers\" >Unique Functions of Routers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/layer-3-switch-vs-router.htm\/#Can_a_Layer_3_Switch_Completely_Replace_a_Router\" >Can a Layer 3 Switch Completely Replace a Router?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/layer-3-switch-vs-router.htm\/#Related_Posts\" >Related Posts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-layer-3-switch\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Layer_3_Switch\"><\/span><strong>Layer 3 Switch<\/strong><strong><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A Layer 3 switch combines the functions of a switch and a router. It can perform data packet forwarding at the data link layer (Layer 2) and route selection at the network layer (Layer 3). Layer 3 switches are typically used in large local area networks (LANs) to enhance network performance and simplify network architecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Layer-3-Switch.png\" alt=\"Layer 3 Switch\" class=\"wp-image-13796\" style=\"width:800px\" width=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Layer-3-Switch.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Layer-3-Switch-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Layer-3-Switch-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Layer-3-Switch-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Layer-3-Switch-120x120.png 120w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Layer 3 switches usually employ ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) technology to accelerate data processing. These hardware components can handle high-speed data flows, significantly improving network performance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>ASIC: A hardware optimized for specific uses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>FPGA: A hardware that can be reconfigured as needed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/FPGA-1024x488.png\" alt=\"FPGA\" class=\"wp-image-13797\" style=\"width:800px\" width=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/FPGA-1024x488.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/FPGA-300x143.png 300w, https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/FPGA-768x366.png 768w, https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/FPGA.png 1072w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Layer 3 switches support various routing protocols, including RIP, OSPF, and EIGRP, allowing them to dynamically learn the network topology and select the optimal path for data forwarding. They also typically feature traffic control and QoS (Quality of Service) capabilities to optimize the use of network resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-router\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Router\"><\/span><strong>Router<\/strong><strong><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A router is a device specifically designed to connect different networks, operating at the third layer of the OSI model. Its primary function is to determine the best path for data packets, ensuring that data reaches its destination from the source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Router.png\" alt=\"Router\" class=\"wp-image-13798\" style=\"width:800px\" width=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Router.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Router-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Router-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Router-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Router-120x120.png 120w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>By analyzing the destination IP address of data packets and consulting the routing table, a router decides the path for forwarding data packets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, routers provide functions like Network Address Translation (NAT), Access Control Lists (ACL), and firewalls, which are crucial for network security and traffic management:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>NAT: Allows multiple devices to share a single public IP address.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ACL: Controls network traffic and enhances security.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Routers achieve effective path selection by establishing and maintaining routing tables. The information in these tables can be statically configured or automatically updated through dynamic routing protocols. Routers use various algorithms to select the optimal path, ensuring efficient data transmission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Routers can handle more complex networking needs, such as VPN connections, policy routing, and load balancing. In large enterprise networks, these functions are essential for ensuring high availability and redundancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-layer-3-switches-vs-routers-0\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Layer_3_Switches_vs_Routers\"><\/span><strong>Layer 3 Switches vs. Routers<\/strong><strong><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Layer-3-Switch-vs.-Router.png\" alt=\"Layer 3 Switch vs. Router\" class=\"wp-image-13799\" style=\"width:800px\" width=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Layer-3-Switch-vs.-Router.png 927w, https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Layer-3-Switch-vs.-Router-300x106.png 300w, https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Layer-3-Switch-vs.-Router-768x273.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 927px) 100vw, 927px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Layer-3-Switches-vs.-Router.png\" alt=\"Layer 3 Switches vs. Router\" class=\"wp-image-13800\" style=\"width:800px\" width=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Layer-3-Switches-vs.-Router.png 803w, https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Layer-3-Switches-vs.-Router-300x250.png 300w, https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Layer-3-Switches-vs.-Router-768x639.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 803px) 100vw, 803px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-unique-functions-of-routers\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Unique_Functions_of_Routers\"><\/span><strong>Unique Functions of Routers<\/strong><strong><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/broadcast-domain.png\" alt=\"broadcast domain\" class=\"wp-image-13801\" style=\"width:800px\" width=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/broadcast-domain.png 640w, https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/broadcast-domain-300x195.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" type=\"1\">\n<li><strong>Network Address Translation (NAT) <\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Routers can perform Network Address Translation (NAT), converting private IP addresses to public IP addresses. This is crucial for networks connecting to the internet, as it can hide internal network structures, enhance security, and conserve IP addresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Firewall Functionality <\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Routers typically have built-in firewall capabilities to filter and inspect data packets entering and leaving the network, protecting it from external attacks. While some advanced Layer 3 switches also have firewall features, routers are generally more powerful and flexible in this regard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Support for Dynamic Routing <\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Protocols Routers support a variety of dynamic routing protocols, such as OSPF, BGP, and EIGRP, allowing them to automatically select the best path in complex network environments. Although Layer 3 switches also support some routing protocols, routers excel in handling complex routing decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Wide Area Network (WAN) <\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Connectivity Routers are commonly used to connect networks across different geographical locations, forming Wide Area Networks (WANs). They handle long-distance data transmission and provide reliable connectivity. Layer 3 switches are mainly used within Local Area Networks (LANs) and cannot replace routers in WAN applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>VPN Support <\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Routers often support Virtual Private Network (VPN) functionality, establishing secure communication channels over public networks. This is crucial for remote work and secure communication between branch offices. While some advanced Layer 3 switches also support VPN features, routers are typically more specialized and reliable in this area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Advanced QoS Features <\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Routers usually come with advanced Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities, allowing them to manage network traffic based on application and service priorities, ensuring the performance of critical applications. Although Layer 3 switches also support QoS, routers have an advantage in complex traffic management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Routers.png\" alt=\"Routers\" class=\"wp-image-13802\" style=\"width:800px\" width=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Routers.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Routers-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Routers-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Routers-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Routers-120x120.png 120w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-can-a-layer-3-switch-completely-replace-a-router\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_a_Layer_3_Switch_Completely_Replace_a_Router\"><\/span><strong>Can a Layer 3 Switch Completely Replace a Router?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Within a local area network (LAN), a Layer 3 switch can effectively replace a router for inter-VLAN routing and data forwarding. However, when it comes to connecting to wide area networks (WAN) or handling complex network environments, routers remain indispensable devices.<\/p>\n<style>\r\n\r\n        .lwrp.link-whisper-related-posts{\r\n            \r\n            margin-top: 40px;\nmargin-bottom: 30px;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-title{\r\n            \r\n            \r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-description{\r\n            \r\n            \r\n\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-container{\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-multi-container{\r\n            display: flex;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-double{\r\n            width: 48%;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-triple{\r\n            width: 32%;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-row-container{\r\n            display: flex;\r\n            justify-content: space-between;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-row-container .lwrp-list-item{\r\n            width: calc(100% - 20px);\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-item:not(.lwrp-no-posts-message-item){\r\n            \r\n            list-style: decimal;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-item img{\r\n            max-width: 100%;\r\n            height: auto;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-item.lwrp-empty-list-item{\r\n            background: initial !important;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-item .lwrp-list-link .lwrp-list-link-title-text,\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-item .lwrp-list-no-posts-message{\r\n            \r\n                \r\n        }\r\n        @media screen and (max-width: 480px) {\r\n            .lwrp.link-whisper-related-posts{\r\n                \r\n                \r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-title{\r\n                \r\n                \r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-description{\r\n                \r\n                \r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-multi-container{\r\n                flex-direction: column;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-multi-container ul.lwrp-list{\r\n                margin-top: 0px;\r\n                margin-bottom: 0px;\r\n                padding-top: 0px;\r\n                padding-bottom: 0px;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-double,\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-triple{\r\n                width: 100%;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-row-container{\r\n                justify-content: initial;\r\n                flex-direction: column;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-row-container .lwrp-list-item{\r\n                width: 100%;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-item:not(.lwrp-no-posts-message-item){\r\n                \r\n                \r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-item .lwrp-list-link .lwrp-list-link-title-text,\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-item .lwrp-list-no-posts-message{\r\n                \r\n                    \r\n            }\r\n        }<\/style>\r\n<div id=\"link-whisper-related-posts-widget\" class=\"link-whisper-related-posts lwrp\">\r\n            <h3 class=\"lwrp-title\">Related Posts<\/h3>    \r\n        <div class=\"lwrp-list-container\">\r\n                                            <ul class=\"lwrp-list lwrp-list-single\">\r\n                    <li class=\"lwrp-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/blog\/how-to-use-fiber-jumper.htm\" class=\"lwrp-list-link\"><span class=\"lwrp-list-link-title-text\">How to Use Fiber Jumper?<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"lwrp-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/video\/qsfp-40g-lr4-optical-module.htm\" class=\"lwrp-list-link\"><span class=\"lwrp-list-link-title-text\">Learn The Truth of QSFP+ 40G LR4 Optical Module in The Next 90 Seconds<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"lwrp-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/video\/25g-sfp28-aoc-cable.htm\" class=\"lwrp-list-link\"><span class=\"lwrp-list-link-title-text\">How to use 25G SFP28 AOC Cable(instruction)<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"lwrp-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/questions\/how-breakout-400g-port-connect-to-100g-qsfp.htm\" class=\"lwrp-list-link\"><span class=\"lwrp-list-link-title-text\">How can I Break Out a 400G Port and Connect to 100G QSFP Ports on Existing Platforms?<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"lwrp-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fibermall.com\/video\/the-use-of-sfp-10g-lr.htm\" class=\"lwrp-list-link\"><span class=\"lwrp-list-link-title-text\">Design, construction and use of SFP 10G LR<\/span><\/a><\/li>                <\/ul>\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Layer 3 Switch A Layer 3 switch combines the functions of a switch and a router. It can perform data packet forwarding at the data link layer (Layer 2) and route selection at the network layer (Layer 3). Layer 3 switches are typically used in large local area networks (LANs) to enhance network performance and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13796,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":"","_wpscppro_dont_share_socialmedia":false,"_wpscppro_custom_social_share_image":0,"_facebook_share_type":"default","_twitter_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type":"default","_pinterest_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type_page":"default","_instagram_share_type":"default","_medium_share_type":"","_threads_share_type":"","_google_business_share_type":"","_selected_social_profile":[{"id":"skM9ewvR8O","platform":"linkedin","platformKey":0,"name":"Jason Xue","type":"person","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/media.licdn.com\/dms\/image\/C5603AQErPqKD0j6qBg\/profile-displayphoto-shrink_100_100\/0\/1599138392315?e=1723075200&v=beta&t=joEkh1OeKQ0F-QpAPv4xxQyBdGlHyccIQZauRSs6RvU","share_type":"default"}],"_wpsp_enable_custom_social_template":false,"_wpsp_social_scheduling":{"enabled":false,"datetime":null,"platforms":[],"status":"template_only","dateOption":"today","timeOption":"now","customDays":"","customHours":"","customDate":"","customTime":"","schedulingType":"absolute"},"_wpsp_active_default_template":true},"categories":[2,29],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13793","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-networking"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v20.13 (Yoast SEO v25.8) - 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