Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the distribution layer in a hierarchical network design?
Aggregation of LAN or WAN links
Which feature is implemented at the access layer of a hierarchical network design to provide security?
Port security
In a hierarchical network design, what is the purpose of implementing Virtual LANs (VLANs) at the access layer?
QoS classification and marking
What role does the distribution layer play in a hierarchical network design regarding route aggregation?
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Which function is NOT typically associated with the access layer in a hierarchical network design?
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What is one of the key purposes of using Virtual access control lists (VACLs) at the access layer?
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Which layer in a hierarchical network design is responsible for implementing Policy-based security using access control lists (ACLs)?
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What distinguishes the access layer from other layers in a hierarchical network design in terms of its network segments?
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What characterizes a two-tier collapsed core design in a hierarchical network structure?
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What is a drawback associated with the two-tier collapsed core design?
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In a routed hierarchical design, where is the Layer 3 boundary pushed towards?
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What routing strategy is applied in the routed hierarchical design towards the access layer?
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Which layer of the hierarchical network design does Layer 3 switching occur in according to the text?
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What does Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) limit in the two-tier collapsed core design?
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How does a two-tier collapsed core design benefit smaller businesses according to the text?
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What functions are implemented by a single device in a two-tier collapsed core design?
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What is the main limitation of Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) mentioned in the text regarding load balancing?
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What is the primary disadvantage associated with the hierarchical network design exemplified by a routed campus network?
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Study Notes
Hierarchical Network Design
- To control the impact of routing-protocol processing and bandwidth consumption, use modular hierarchical topologies with protocols designed with these controls, such as OSPF and EIGRP.
Traditional Hierarchical LAN Design
- Consists of three layers: Core, Distribution, and Access.
- Core layer: provides fast transport between distribution switches within the enterprise campus.
- Distribution layer: provides policy-based connectivity.
- Access layer: provides workgroup or user access to the network.
Core Layer
- The network's high-speed switching backbone, crucial to corporate communications.
- Also referred to as the backbone.
- Characteristics:
- Fast transport
- High reliability
- Redundancy
- Low latency and good manageability
- Quality of Service (QoS)
Distribution Layer
- The isolation point between the network's access and core layers.
- Functions:
- Aggregation of LAN or WAN links
- Policy-based security (ACLs and filtering)
- Routing services between LANs and VLANs and between routing domains
- Redundancy and load balancing
- Boundary for route aggregation and summarization
- QoS mechanisms (priority-based queuing)
Access Layer
- Provides user access to local segments on the network.
- Characterized by switched LAN segments in a campus environment.
- Functions:
- Layer 2 switching
- High availability
- Port security
- QoS classification and marking and trust boundaries
- Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) inspection
- Virtual access control lists (VACLs)
- Spanning tree
- Power over Ethernet (PoE) and auxiliary VLANs for VoIP
Benefits of Hierarchical Models
- Cost savings
- Ease of understanding
- Modular network growth
- Improved fault isolation
