Cisco Catalyst 6880-X Specifications download pdf (Page 85)

Core Layer April 2014

Core Layer

Design Overview

The core layer of the LAN is a critical part of the scalable network, yet by design, is one of the simplest. Like

the distribution layer aggregates connectivity for multiple access layer switches, the core layer aggregates

connectivity when there are multiple distribution blocks. As networks grow beyond three distribution blocks in a

single location, a core layer should be used to optimize the design.

Beyond the simple aggregation of connectivity, the core layer serves to reduce the number of paths between

distribution layers, which in turn lowers the time required to converge the network after a failure. By upgrading

bandwidth between a distribution layer and the core, multiple distribution layer blocks can benefit from the

increase versus the need to upgrade the bandwidth to every other device in a design without a core. The core

layer is especially relevant to designs where the data center resources might be colocated with the LAN.

Figure 26 - Core layer overview

Core Switches

Client

Access

Switches

Client

Access

Switches

Building 1 Building 2 Building 3 Building 4

Distribution

Switches

2111

1 2 ... 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 ... 110 111

No comments

Cisco Catalyst 6880-X Specifications Page 85