Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
domains (subnets). As with routers, a routing protocol provides network information to
other network layer devices (subnets), and a routing protocol provides network informa-
tion to other Layer 3 switches and routers.
Ta ble 3 -7 summarizes LAN devices for review.
Ta b l e 3 -7
LAN Device Comparison
Device
OSI Layer
Is Domain Protocol Transparent
or Protocol Aware?
Boundary
What It
Understands
Repeater
Layer 1:
physical
Tran s parent
Amplify
signal
Bits
Hub
Layer 1:
physical
Tran s parent
Amplify
signal
Bits
Bridge
Layer 2:
data link
Tran s parent
Collision
domain
Frames
Switch
Layer 2:
data link
Tran s parent
Collision
domain
Frames
Router
Layer 3:
network
Aware
Broadcast
domain
Packets
Layer 3
switch
Layer 3:
network
Aware
Broadcast
domain
Packets
Campus LAN Design and Best Practices
LANs can be classified as large-building LANs, campus LANs, or small and remote LANs.
The large-building LAN typically contains a major data center with high-speed access and
floor communications closets; the large-building LAN is usually the headquarters in
larger companies. Campus LANs provide connectivity between buildings on a campus.
Redundancy is usually a requirement in large-building and campus LAN deployments.
Small and remote LANs provide connectivity to remote offices with a relatively small
number of nodes.
Campus design factors include the following categories:
Network application characteristics: Different application types
Infrastructure device characteristics: Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching, hierarchy
Environmental characteristics: Geography, wiring, distance, space, power, num-
ber of nodes
Applications are defined by the business, and the network must be able to support them.
Applications may require high bandwidth or be time sensitive. The infrastructure devices
influence the design. Decisions on switched or routed architectures and port limitations
 
 
 
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