1.6 Network Architectures

What makes up the Three-Tier Architecture?

Core, Distribution, and Access.

What is the Core?

Center of the network, including the web servers, databases, and applications.

What devices does the Core use?

Routers that connect down to the switches.

What is the Distribution?

Midpoint between the core and the users.

What devices are used in the Distribution?

Switches that connect to the routers and switches below.

What is Access?

Where the users connect.

What devices does Access use?

Uses switches that connect to all switches above as well as the devices below.

What is the Collapsed Core?

Combines the Core and Distribution layers.

What are pros of Collapsed Core?

Simple to design and support and less expensive to implement.

What is a con of Collapsed Core?

Not as resilient.

What is East-West Traffic Flow?

Traffic between devices in the same data center.

What is North-South Traffic?

Entering and leaving to an outside device.