1-6 Cisco 3 Layer Model

In a large organization it is common to see large and complicated networks consisting of many locations,
devices, services, and protocols. It can be cumbersome to manage and troubleshoot such networks. In
addition to that as technologies evolve, the network has to evolve also. Making changes to a complex
network is often difficult. Cisco with its years of experience in network equipment as well as managing its
own network has defined a Three-layer hierarchical model. This model provides a hierarchical and
modular method of building networks that makes it easy to implement, manage, scale and troubleshoot
networks.

The model breaks an internetwork down to the following three layers:

 The Core layer

 The Distribution layer
 The Access layer

These layers are logical and not physical. They have specific functions in an internetwork which are
discussed below:

The Core Layer – This layer is the backbone of an internetwork. It is the simplest yet the most critical
layer whose sole function is to transport large amount of data fast. It gets data from the distribution layer
and sends it back to the distribution layer after transportation. Speed and fault tolerance are the two major
requirements of this layer because it has to transport large amount of data and any fault at this layer will
impact every user. Considering the functions of this layer, the following should be avoided at this layer:

 Any thing that can slow down the traffic. For example, packet filtering, inter-VLAN routing etc.
 Direct user connections
 Direct server connections
 Complex service policies

While designing the core, the following should be kept in mind:

 Routing protocol should have low convergence time.

 Network Access layer technologies should be fast with low latency
 Redundancy should be built into this layer.

The Distribution Layer – This layer acts as an interface between the Core and the Access layers. The
primary function of the distribution layer is to provide routing, filtering, and WAN access and to determine
how packets can access the core, if needed. Path determination is the most important function at the
layer. It has to select the fastest way an access request can be completed. This layer also acts as the
convergence point for all access layer switches. Hence it is generally the best place to apply most of the
policies. The following are generally done at this layer:

 Routing between subnets and VLANs and route distribution between routing protocols
 Implementation of security policies, including firewalls, address translations, packet filtering, etc.
 Breaking broadcast domains

The Access Layer – This layer is the edge of the network where wide variety of devices such as PCs,
printers, iPads etc. connects to the network. Common resources needed by users are available at this
layer while access request to remote resources are sent to the distribution layer. This layer is also known
as the desktop layer. The following are generally done at this layer:
  Access control and policies in addition to what exists in the distribution layer.
 Dynamic configuration mechanisms
 Breaking collision domains
 Ethernet switching and static routing

1-7 Summary
Though this chapter was long, it helped lay the foundation of your CCNA networking knowledge. The
importance of understanding every topic in this chapter cannot be stressed enough. I would strongly
suggest going through the chapter again to reinforce the basics.

The chapter started off with the importance of networks, basic network devices and network types and
collision and broadcast domains.

Then the seven-layered OSI model was discussed. It is important to remember the functions of all the
layers and how they map to the TCP/IP model. Remember that hubs work at Physical Layer, switches at
Data-Link Layer and routers at the Network Layer of the OSI model.

The chapter then covered a long discussion on the TCP/IP model and its many protocols. Remember that
TCP/IP and Ethernet form a major part of the CCNA exam and have a few chapters dedicated to them.

Lastly, the chapter covered the Cisco three-layer hierarchical model and how it is designed to help
implement and manage a complex network.

The next chapter looks at IP addressing. Before heading to it, we suggest you review the CCNA Exam
Alerts scattered through this chapter to recap the various important concepts.