CCNP Enterprise Core (350-401)
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Enterprise Network Architecture Options – Three Tier Design
A three tier design separates the core and distribution layers and are recommended when there are more than two pairs of distribution switches required. This creates a core, distribution, and access layer in the network. Multiple pairs of distribution switches are usually required for a few reasons. One can be that there is a network…
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Enterprise Network Architecture Options – Two Tier Design (Collapsed Core)
Smaller networks may have their departments spread across multiple floors within a building. These environments may not require a separate core network, so collapsing the core function into the distribution layer may help on costs in designing a suitable network. The combined distribution and core layer will provide connectivity to the WAN (remote data centres,…
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Network Core Layer
When the network grows above three distribution layers in a single location, a core layer should be considered to optimise the network design. The core layer is the backbone of the network and aggregation point for multiple networks and distribution layers. It is to provide scalability, high availability and convergence to the network. The core…
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Distribution Layer
The main function of the distribution layer is to aggregate access layer switches within a building. The distribution layer provides a boundary between the Layer 2 domain and the Layer 3 domain into the core network. The boundary provides two key functions. The Layer 2 side creates a boundary for Spanning Tree Protocol, limiting propagation…
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Network Access Layer
The network access layer, or network edge, is where users or endpoints connect to the network. Users connect to the network through a Gigabit ethernet port or 802.11 wireless. Whilst in most cases the users will not require the full bandwidth made available to them through the network port, there is the headroom available for…
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Hierarchical Network Design Model
The hierarchical network design model splits the network into several modular layers There modular layer in the design model has its own area to implement their own specific functions The hierarchical network design model provides an easy to way to scale the network and keeps a consistent deployment method. Having several modular layers keeps the…
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Troubleshooting Client Connectivity from the Wireless Access Point
There may be cases where multiple users are having issues with the same general area or access point. The split-MAC architecture in Cisco wireless provides a few points where troubleshooting can occur. For a lightweight access point to operate, it needs to have connectivity through its access layer switch, and connectivity to the wireless LAN…
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Troubleshooting Client Connectivity from the Wireless LAN Controller
Most of the troubleshooting of a clients connectivity to a wireless network can be done through the wireless controllers GUI. As the wireless client probes and attempts to associate with an access point, there is a wealth of logs generated that can aid in troubleshooting. This information can be filtered down easily with the clients…
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Troubleshooting Wireless
When it comes to troubleshooting wireless networks, there are three things that are required for a client to connection to an access point succesfully: The client is in range of the access point The client is able to successfully authenticate with the access point The client is able to gain a DHCP lease from the…
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Wireless WebAuth Authentication
Web authentication differs from other methods of authentication as it presents the user with content to read and interact with before giving full access to the network. It can prompt for user credentials, display information about the enterprises network they are connecting too, or terms and conditions on the networks purpose and use. The user…