Network Topology Basics

Hierarchical Model

A hierarchical model is a modular produce for an company network that defines three definite layers that each has network services related with those layers. The layers are access, distribution and core. The entrance layer is related with branch offices that commonly run lower speed circuits. These branch offices are aggregated at a distribution office and any distribution offices are aggregated at a core office. Modular designs are more scalable and apply bandwidth more effectively than flat networks.

Cartoon Network

Access Level Services

Static Routing, Encryption, Compression, Load Balancing, entrance operate Lists, Vlan's, Proxy Services, Queuing

Distribution Level Services

Summarization, Redistribution, Network Address Translation, Protocol Translation, potential of Service, Inter-Vlan Routing, entrance operate Lists (applications, protocols and services)

Core Level Services

Traffic Optimization, Path Optimization, Encapsulation, potential of Service, Load Balancing

Topologies

The following describes the most tasteless network wan topologies implemented in an company environment.

Hub and Spoke

Each spoke has one or more links to a hub office that will associate the spoke offices. It is the least expensive and easiest to manage. There isn't any circuit diversity unless backup circuits are provisioned at each office. If a circuit fails at a spoke office and there is no backup circuit, that spoke office is without network access.

Partial Mesh

With a partial mesh topology any office could be designated as a hub office. This is more expensive than hub and spoke since there are alternate circuits to dissimilar offices. If one link fails that doesn't work on any office since a new route will be discovered with the routing protocol. The bandwidth at each circuit will work on what favorite routes are superior under normal operating conditions.

Full Mesh

This is the most expensive topology type since there is any - any connectivity among all offices. It is the most difficult to carry on although most trustworthy with complicated paths to any destination. For associates such as banks that require 99.999% availability, this topology would be employed.

Network Topology Basics