Objectives

Describe how a hierarchical network supports

the voice, video and data needs of a small
and medium-sized business.

LAN Design

Describe the main features of switches at

each layer
Match the appropriate Cisco switch to each
layer in the hierarchical network design
model.

LAN Switching and Wireless Chapter 1

2
ITE I Chapter 6

2006 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cisco Public

Converged Networks

Hierarchical Network Design Principles

Combining voice and video communications on

a data network
QoS prioritize traffic on the network

Benefits of a Hierarchical Network Design

Scalability
Hierarchical networks can be expanded easily
Performance
Link aggregation between levels
Manageability
M
bilit
Consistency between switches at each level
makes management more easier
Maintainability
The modularity of hierarchical design allows for
the network to scale without becoming overly
complicated

Access Layer Switches

Power over Ethernet (PoE)
Allows the switch to deliver power to a device
over the existing Ethernet cabling. Used by IP
phones and some wireless access points.
It adds considerablyy to the cost of the switch.
Link aggregation
Ciscos EtherChannel technology allows a group
of physical Ethernet links to create one logical
Ethernet link for the purpose of providing fault
tolerance and high-speed links between switches,
routers, and servers.
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10

Distribution Layer Switch Features

Inter-VLAN routing is performed at the distribution
layer. Multilayer switches support Layer 3 functions.
Security Policies Access control lists (ACLs)
Switches that forward voice data must support QoS.
Distribution
Di t ib ti llayer switches
it h are ttypically
i ll iimplemented
l
t d
in pairs to ensure availability.
Hot swappable power supplies.
Newer distribution layer switches support aggregated
10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) uplinks to the core layer
switches.

Core Layer Switch Features

Cisco Catalyst Switches

The high-speed backbone of the network

Catalyst Express 500

10GbE connections, currently the fastest

available Ethernet connectivity option.

Catalyst 2960

does not allow management through IOS

does not support PoE

Multilayer switches support Layer 3 functions

The availability of the core layer is critical, so
build in as much redundancy as you can

Catalyst 3560

Hot swappable power supplies and cooling

fans.

Catalyst 4500

Catalyst 3750
Catalyst 4900
Catalyst 6500
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12

Cisco Switches mapped to each Layer in the

Hierarchical Network Design Model

13

14

Summary
Hierarchical Design model addresses performance,
scalability, maintainability & manageability issues.
Traffic Analysis is used to monitor network
performance.
Hierarchical
e a c ca Design
es g Model
ode is
s co
composed
posed o
of 3 layers:
aye s
Access
Distribution
Core
Switches selected for each layer must meet the
needs of each hierarchical layer as well as the
needs of the business.

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