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DanielTormo Week1 Lab 1.1

The Cisco three-layer hierarchical network model divides networks into access, distribution, and core layers to reduce complexity and improve scalability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. The access layer controls user connectivity. The distribution layer provides routing and filtering between the access and core layers. The core layer is responsible for quickly transporting large amounts of traffic across the network backbone.

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23 views3 pages

DanielTormo Week1 Lab 1.1

The Cisco three-layer hierarchical network model divides networks into access, distribution, and core layers to reduce complexity and improve scalability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. The access layer controls user connectivity. The distribution layer provides routing and filtering between the access and core layers. The core layer is responsible for quickly transporting large amounts of traffic across the network backbone.

Uploaded by

daniel
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Cisco three-layer hierarchical model

Networks can be extremely complicated with the use of protocols; based on this, Cisco has
developed a layered hierarchical model for designing a reliable network infrastructure. This
three-layer model helps you design, implement, and maintain a scalable, reliable, and cost-
effective network. Each of layers has its own features and functionality, which reduces network
complexity.

Here is a description of each layer:

 Access: controls user and workgroup access to the resources on the network. This layer
usually incorporates Layer 2 switches and access points that provide connectivity between
workstations and servers. You can manage access control and policy, create separate
collision domains, and implement port security at this layer.
 Distribution: serves as the communication point between the access layer and the core. Its
primary functions are to provide routing, filtering, and WAN access and to determine how
packets can access the core. This layer determines the fastest way that network service
requests are accessed – for example, how a file request is forwarded to a server – and, if
necessary, forwards the request to the core layer. This layer usually consists of routers and
multilayer switches.
 Core: also referred to as the network backbone, this layer is responsible for transporting
large amounts of traffic quickly. The core layer provides interconnectivity between
distribution layer devices it usually consists of high speed devices, like high end routers and
switches with redundant links.
Here is an example of the Cisco hierarchical model:

Examples of network equipment used in the core layer are: high speed WAN routers and
switches, multiplexers, ATM networks, such as Cisco 7000, 7200, 7500 and 12000 series for
WAN and Cisco 4000, 5000 and 6000 series for LAN.

Examples of network equipment used at the distribution layer are: LAN routers, layer 3 switches,
firewalls, VPN access router.

Access layer focuses on connecting client devices, such as workstations, laptops, servers and
peripherals on the internal network.

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