Network Types

Network Types

• Networks can have different purposes, functions, and scopes.
• A network can be represented by a cloud, which represents a collection of network connectivity without describing the internal details.

Peer-to-Peer Network

• A peer-to-peer network is a network where two devices can act as both clients and servers to communicate and share data.
• Examples: file sharing, music sharing (e.g., Napster).

Client-Server Network

• A client-server network is a network where devices have dedicated roles as clients or servers.
• Clients consume services, while servers provide services.
• Examples: web services (e.g., HTTPS, DNS), streaming services.

Personal Area Network (PAN)

• A PAN is a network that connects devices within a few meters.
• Examples: Bluetooth, infrared, near-field communications (NFC).

Enterprise Network

• A typical enterprise network follows a three-tier architecture, which is designed to provide scalability, reliability, and manageability. This architecture is composed of:

  • Access layer: devices connect to the network (e.g., switches, routers), which are responsible for providing access to the network for end-users and devices. This layer is typically the most dense and closest to the end-users.

  • Distribution layer: aggregates and forwards traffic from the access layer, acting as a "traffic cop" to control the flow of data between the access and core layers. This layer is responsible for routing traffic to the correct parts of the network.

  • Core layer: high-speed connections between distribution layers, which act as a high-bandwidth backbone for the network. This layer is responsible for providing high-speed connectivity between the different parts of the network, allowing for efficient data transfer and communication.

    The core layer primarily involves hardware. This layer is focused on high-speed connectivity and efficient data transfer, which typically requires robust and high-performance networking hardware such as routers, switches, and cables.

Campus Area Network (CAN)

• A CAN is a network that spans a campus or multiple buildings.
• It usually has high-speed connectivity between nodes.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

• A MAN is a network that covers a city or metropolitan area.
• It usually has high-speed connectivity between nodes.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

• A WAN is a network that connects multiple sites over a large geographic area.
• It often uses service providers and may have slower speeds due to cost.

Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN)

• SD-WAN is a solution that allows for logical configuration of WAN connectivity, enabling organizations to efficiently manage and optimize their wide area network (WAN) connections.

• It uses a centralized controller to implement configurations on devices, such as routers and switches, without the need for manual configuration at each device.

• The benefits of SD-WAN include simplified management, as the controller allows administrators to monitor and manage the entire network from a single interface, streamlining the process and increasing productivity.

• Reduced overhead is another benefit, as SD-WAN can automatically optimize traffic routing and prioritize critical applications, resulting in improved network performance and reduced latency, which is particularly beneficial for organizations with large volumes of data traffic.

• This centralized approach also enables more effective security and Quality of Service (QoS) management, as the controller can apply policy-based configuration to ensure secure and reliable network operation, protecting sensitive data and applications from unauthorized access or disruption.

  In addition, the centralized controller can also monitor network traffic in real-time, quickly identifying and responding to security threats or performance issues, further reducing the risk of downtime or data breaches.

  Moreover, the SD-WAN solution can be integrated with other network management tools and applications, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and network analytics software, to provide a comprehensive view of the network and improve overall security and performance.

Multipoint Generic Routing Encapsulation (mGRE)

mGRE is a solution for Wide Area Network (WAN) connectivity that allows for dynamic tunnel creation, enabling flexible and scalable network architecture.

The dynamic tunnel creation feature of mGRE eliminates the need for manual configuration, streamlining the process of establishing connections between multiple sites and a central hub site.

This enables organizations to easily set up and manage secure, reliable, and high-performance WAN connectivity across their distributed network.

Moreover, mGRE supports advanced networking protocols and encryption methods, ensuring secure data transmission and minimizing the risk of network breaches.

mGRE is a software feature used in network devices such as routers and switches. It enables these devices to create flexible and scalable connections across a Wide Area Network (WAN) without needing to manually set up each connection. Think of it like an automatic bridge builder that helps different offices (sites) connect to a central office quickly and securely using software instructions. This makes managing a company's network easier and more secure.

Service Provider Network

• A service provider network uses Multiple Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) to forward traffic.

  MPLS uses labels to forward traffic, rather than IP addresses.

  Benefits: flexible routing, improved scalability.

  No, MPLS (Multiple Protocol Label Switching) is not similar to OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) or EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol) in nature. OSPF and EIGRP are routing protocols used to determine the best paths for data to travel across a network, whereas MPLS is a technique used to forward traffic more efficiently through a network using labels.

  Key differences:

  1. Purpose:

  • OSPF and EIGRP are used for route determination and path selection within a network. They make dynamic routing decisions and update routing tables based on network topology.

  • MPLS is used for traffic forwarding and switching based on labels rather than traditional IP routing. It can work in conjunction with various routing protocols, including OSPF and EIGRP.

  2. Operation:

  • OSPF uses a link-state routing algorithm to build a complete map of network topology, making route decisions based on shortest path first logic.

  • EIGRP uses distance-vector routing with an advanced algorithm to find the best path based on metrics like bandwidth and delay.

  • MPLS assigns labels to packets, and forwarding decisions are made based on these labels. This reduces the overhead associated with routing lookups and allows for more flexible and scalable network designs.

  3. Benefits:

  • MPLS provides benefits such as flexible routing, improved scalability, and the ability to support multiple types of traffic (e.g., IP, Ethernet, ATM, Frame Relay) efficiently.

  • OSPF and EIGRP help optimize routing paths and ensure efficient data transfer within and between network segments through dynamic route calculation and updates.

  In summary, while OSPF and EIGRP are routing protocols focused on route determination, MPLS is a labeling and forwarding technology aimed at improving traffic efficiency and scalability in service provider and enterprise networks.

Layer 3 VPNs

• A Layer 3 VPN is a group of routes that use MPLS labels for forwarding.
• It enables service providers to offer VPN services to customers.

Virtualized Networking

• Virtualized networking allows for creative design of networks using overlays and underlays.
• Hypervisors and virtualized networking functionality will be discussed in the next video.