Planning - Lecture 3: Hierarchical Network Model

Planning for Information Network
Lecture 3: Hierarchical Network Model

Hierarchical Network Model
•The hierarchical network model provides a framework that network designers can use to help ensure that the network is flexible and easy to implement and troubleshoot.

Hierarchical Network Design Layers:
? The access layer provides local and remote workgroup or user access to the network.
? The distribution layer provides policy-based connectivity.
? The core (or backbone) layer provides high-speed transport to satisfy the connectivity and
transport needs of the distribution layer devices.

Each hierarchical layer focuses on specific functions, thereby allowing the network designer to choose the right systems and features based on their function within the model.
This approach helps provide more accurate capacity planning and minimize total costs.

The actual manner in implementing the layers depends on the needs of the network to be designed. Each layer can be implemented in routers or switches. A particular layer can be omitted, but hierarchy should be maintained for optimum performance.