Chapter 3. Structuring and Modularizing the Network

This chapter introduces a modular hierarchical approach to network design, the Cisco Enterprise Architecture. This chapter includes the following sections:

• Network Hierarchy

• Using a Modular Approach to Network Design

• Services Within Modular Networks

• Network Management Protocols and Features

• Summary

• References

• Case Study: ACMC Hospital Modularity

• Review Questions

This chapter introduces a modular hierarchical approach to network design, the Cisco Enterprise Architecture. The chapter begins with a discussion of the hierarchical network structure. The next section introduces network modularization and discusses the details of the Cisco Enterprise Architecture. Following that are a detailed description of services within modular networks, and a discussion of network management protocols and features.