DFN5023 NETWORK DESIGN
CLASS ACTIVITY 2 – HIERARCHICAL NETWORK
Objective
Explain the need to design a hierarchical network that is scalable.
Scenario
Your employer is opening a new, branch office.
You have been reassigned to the site as the network administrator where your job will
be to design and maintain the new branch network.
The network administrators at the other branches used the Cisco, three-layer,
hierarchical approach when designing their networks. You decide to use the same
approach.
To get an idea of what using the hierarchical model can do to enhance the design
process, you research the topic.
Resources
Internet access
Word processing software
Instruction
Step 1: Use the Internet to find information and take notes about the Cisco, three-
layered hierarchical model. The site should include information about the:
a. Access layer
b. Distribution layer
c. Core layer
Step 2: In your research, make sure to include:
a. A simple definition of each hierarchical layer
b. Three concise facts about each layer
c. Network device capabilities needed at each layer
d. A detailed graphic that shows a full, three-layer hierarchical model design
Step 3: Create a simple table to organize and share your research with another
student, group, the class, or instructor.
