What is a benefit of MACsec in a multilayered LAN network design?

MACsec operates at Layer 2 and encrypts traffic locally; it does not encrypt application flows to remote destinations, which would typically require higher-layer security protocols like TLS or IPsec.

MACsec operates at Layer 2 of the OSI model, providing hop-by-hop encryption and data integrity for Ethernet frames. This makes it an ideal protocol for securing Layer 2 trunk links, which carry aggregated traffic between network devices, by preventing unauthorized access and data tampering within the local network segment.

MACsec often relies on IEEE 802.1X for authentication and key exchange (e.g., via MKA - MACsec Key Agreement), meaning 802.1X is typically integrated with MACsec rather than being unnecessary.

MACsec is a Layer 2 technology and does not secure Layer 3 links; Layer 3 link security is typically provided by protocols such as IPsec.