Network design is becoming more complex, with the increasing development of technology and the different types of traffic being added to the network backbone. As a result, having knowledge in the methodologies, processes, and architectures involved in network design plans will support a company’s business goals. The following factors are driving the new network architectures:
- The growth in different types of applications
- The evolution of IT, from basic network connectivity to converged intelligent systems
- Increased business expectations from networks
Two network models will be analyzed in this chapter: (1) the Cisco Hierarchical Network model, a classic model with a long history in Cisco instruction; and (2) the Cisco Enterprise Architecture model, an expanded and evolved new and improved model.