M1 Network Design

CISCO Networking Devices: Explain components of a hierarchical network design.

Network Architecture

is the blueprint for how a network is built. It includes: hardware, protocols, and services. In short: the design + rules that make the network work.

4 Characteristics of Reliable Network

1. Fault Tolerance

2. Scalability

3. Quality of Service (QoS)

4. Security

Fault Tolerant Network

it  limits how many devices are affected during a failure. It is designed for quick recovery when something breaks. Is an example a fault-tolerant network architecture.

Redundancy

Having multiple paths between source and destination.

Packet-switched network

it provide redundancy by splitting data into packets.

Scalability

it means the network can grow smoothly—adding more users, devices, or entire networks—without slowing down or breaking existing services. It happens when designers follow accepted standards and protocols.

Quality of Service

is a network feature that prioritizes important or time‑sensitive traffic so it gets delivered smoothly, even when the network is busy. Routers do the work using policies.

Network Security

It protects devices, services, and data in the network.

2 Areas of Network Security

1. Infrastructure Security

2. Information Security

3 Requirements of Network Security

1. Confidentiality

2. Integrity

3. Availability

MA Address

It is the physical address of a device; it does not change.

IP Address

It is the logical address of a device. It is assigned based on the device’s location in the network and can change.