Network by Design

Objective
Explain the need to design a hierarchical network that is scalable.

Scenario
Your employer is opening a new, branch office.
You have been reassigned to the site as the network administrator where your job will be to design and maintain
the new branch network.
The network administrators at the other branches used the Cisco three-layer hierarchical model when designing
their networks. You decide to use the same approach.
To get an idea of what using the hierarchical model can do to enhance the design process, you research the
topic.

Resources
World Wide Web access
Word processing software

Directions

Step 1: Use the Internet to find information and take notes about the Cisco three-layer
hierarchical model. The site should include information about the:
a. Access layer:
The access layer is where your client's network devices directly connect to your network. You want their
connection to be as efficient, simple, and secure as possible. This involves controlling who accesses the
network and for what services. Controlling access may be as simple as blocking access, or it may involve
a redirection or quarantining ac
b. Distribution layer
The distribution layer is the "smart" layer in the three-layer model. Routing, filtering, and QoS policies
are managed at the distribution layer. Distribution layer devices also often manage individual branch-
office WAN connections.
c. Core layer
The core network provides high-speed, highly-redundant forwarding services to move packets
between distribution-layer devices in different regions of the networkIn your research, make sure to
include:
d. A simple definition of each hierarchical layer
The Hierarchical internetworking model, or three-layer model, is a network design model first proposed by
Cisco. The three-layer model divides enterprise networks into three layers: core, distribution, and access
layer. Each layer provides different services to end-stations and servers.
e. Three concise facts about each layer
Distribution layer: The distribution layer also performs queuing and provides packet manipulation of the
network traffic.

2013 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. This document is Cisco Public. Page 1 of 3
Network by Design

Packet filtering (firewalling): Processes packets and regulates the transmission of packets based on its
source and destination information to create network borders.
Control Broadcast and Multicast: The layer serves as the boundary for broadcast and multicast domains.
Core Layer: High data transfer rate: Speed is important at the core layer. One way that core networks
enable high data transfer rates is through load sharing, where traffic can travel through multiple network
connections.
High reliability: Multiple data paths ensure high network fault tolerance; if one path experiences a
problem, then the device can quickly discover a new route
Low latency period: The core layer typically uses high-speed low latency circuits which only forward
packets and do not enforcing policy.
Access Layer:
Allow workgroups and users to use the services provided by the distribution and core layers.
In the access layer, you have the ability to expand or contract collision domains using a repeater, hub, or standard
switch.
In the access layer, a switch is not a high-powered device, such as those found at the core layer.
f. Network device capabilities needed at each layer:
Distributon Layer: The router or layer 3 switches can read packets and prioritize delivery, based on policies you
set.
Core Layer:
Access Layer: Access layer switches are not highly powered devices in comparison to the ones
allocated on the core layer
g. A detailed graphic that shows a full, three-layer hierarchical model design

2013 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. This document is Cisco Public. Page 2 of 3
Network by Design

Step 2: Create a simple table to organize and share your research with another student, group,
the class, or instructor.

Description Of Each Layer Whole Hierarchical Network

The Hierarchical internetworking model, or three-layer

model, is a network design model first proposed by
Cisco. The three-layer model divides enterprise
networks into three layers: core, distribution, and access
layer. Each layer provides different services to end-
stations and servers.

The core network provides high-speed, highly-

redundant forwarding services to move packets
between distribution-layer devices in different regions of
the networkIn your research, make sure to include:

The distribution layer is the "smart" layer in the three-

layer model. Routing, filtering, and QoS policies are
managed at the distribution layer. Distribution layer
devices also often manage individual branch-
office WAN connections.

The access layer is where your client's network devices

directly connect to your network. You want their
connection to be as efficient, simple, and secure as
possible. This involves controlling who accesses
the network and for what services. Controlling
access may be as simple as blocking access, or it
may involve a redirection or quarantining ac

2013 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. This document is Cisco Public. Page 3 of 3