Cisco Catalyst 6880-X Specifications download pdf (Page 10)

Introduction April 2014

A hierarchical LAN design includes the following three layers:

• Access layer—Provides endpoints and users direct access to the network.

• Distribution layer—Aggregates access layers and provides connectivity to services.

• Core layer—Provides connections between distribution layers for large environments.

Figure 1 - LAN hierarchical design

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Client

Access

Distribution

Core

Each layer—access, distribution, and core—provides different functionality and capability to the network.

Depending on the characteristics of the network deployment site, you might need one, two, or all three of the

layers. For example, a site that occupies a single building might only require the access and distribution layers,

while a campus of multiple buildings will most likely require all three layers.

Regardless of how many layers are implemented at a location, the modularity of this design ensures that each

layer will provide the same services, and in this architecture, will use the same design methods.

Figure 2 - Scalability by using a modular design

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Client

Access

Distribution

Core

Core/

Distribution

SCALE

Client

Access

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Cisco Catalyst 6880-X Specifications Page 10