Datacenter Topology Flashcards

(4 cards)

1
Q

Three-tiered Hierarchy

A
  • This topology has three layers:
    • Core: it contains the biggest, fastest and the most expensive routers. It is considered the backbone of our network that merges geographically separated networks back into one logical and cohesive unit. In general, you need at least two routers at the core in case one goes offline.
    • Distribution/Aggregation: it is located under the core layer, and it provides boundary definition by implementing access lists and filters. In this layer, we define the policies for networks at large. Usually layer three switches are used at this distribution layer to ensure the packets are being properly routed between different subnets and VLANs within the enterprise network.
    • Access/Edge: This layer connects all the endpoint devices like computers, laptops, servers, printers, wireless access points and more. The access/edge layer devices are usually regular switches, and they are used to ensure packets are being converted to frames and delivered to the correct endpoints.
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2
Q

Collapsed Core

A

Network architecture where the core and the distribution layers are being merged into a single layer.

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3
Q

Spine and Leaf

A

Type of network architecture that focuses on the communication within the datacenter.
Spine: Connects all switches in a full mesh topology which leads to increased performance and redundancy for all these servers.
Leaf: Consists of all the access switches that aggregate traffic from the different servers and then connect directly into the spine layer and network core.

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4
Q

Two types of Traffic Flows

A

North-south: Northbound traffic means leaving datacenter. Southbound traffic enters datacenter.
East-West: all data flow between servers is considered east-west traffic.

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