Question

Assess the most important criteria for selecting networking devices at the core, access, and distribution layers in a campus network; explain the 2-3 selection criteria that you feel are most critical in a campus network. Analyze and explain the primary security technologies and devices typically employed in a campus network.

Answer 1

important criteria for selecting networking devices at the core, access, and distribution layers in a campus network are:-

Port speeds and interface connections :-Your first consideration is to understand what port speeds your network requires and what port connection types would be most useful and/or cost-effective.

Power over Ethernet :-Many devices that connect to access switches can be powered using a Power over Ethernet interface. PoE uses the same copper cabling to provide both network connectivity and the necessary power, so it doesn't need to plug into a standard AC outlet.

Performance :-Understanding how much throughput your network is likely to need -- today and several years into the future -- is a critical part of the purchasing process. Lower-cost access switches provide port density, but compared with switches designed for distribution and core switching duties, their maximum throughput specs are going to be considerably lower.

Redundancy :-Typical campus LAN designs call for a certain amount of built-in redundancy to maintain connectivity to the majority of users when a link or switch goes down. As you begin researching campus LAN switches, you'll likely find there are any number of ways to provide redundancy using both hardware and software. This includes redundant switches, uplinks and redundancy protocols running at Layer 2 or Layer 3. It's important to understand what redundancy techniques you want to use -- and verify that all of the necessary switches can perform the required redundancy tasks.

Physical environment considerations :-Switches are deployed in a wide variety of physical locations. For example, switches that are deployed in manufacturing plants that are often hot or humid may fail if the incorrect switch hardware is used.

Advanced features :-An enterprise switch literally has hundreds of features, so it's up to you to decide which ones you need and which campus LAN switches can actually provide that feature.

Support needs :-Lastly, before choosing a campus LAN switch vendor, you need to thoroughly understand the support offerings and prices for the switch hardware and software you're about to buy.