Solution to Chapter 14 Hands-On Lab

Solution to Chapter 14 Hands-On Lab

Design two campus networks that meet the following requirements. The first design should employ the campus-wide VLANs model using Catalyst 5509 switches. The second design should implement the multilayer model by using Catalyst 8540 MDF switches and Catalyst 5509 IDF switches. Here are the requirements:

• The campus contains three buildings.

• Each building has four floors.

• Each floor has one IDF switch.

• Each building has two MDF switches in the basement.

• Each IDF has redundant links (one two each MDF switch).

• The MDF switches are fully meshed with Gigabit Ethernet links (in other words, the core does not use a third layer of switches).

• Each IDF switch should have a unique management VLAN where SC0 can be assigned.

• In the campus-wide VLANs design, assume there are 12 VLANs and that every IDF switch participates in every VLAN.

• In the multilayer design, assume that every IDF switch only participates in a single end-user VLAN (for administrative simplicity).

How many VLANs are required under both designs?

Figure A-9 illustrates a potential design utilizing the campus-wide VLANs model. Because the design is less modular than the multilayer model, this design is usually less scalable and harder to maintain. Each building is contained within a single distribution block.

Figure A-9. Campus-Wide VLANs Design

Figure A-10 illustrates a campus design built around the multilayer model. Each distribution block is a self-contained unit. The switching router form of Layer 3 switches are used in the distribution Layer 3. To maximize the potential scalability of the network, a Layer 3 core is used.

Figure A-10. Multilayer Design Using Switching Routers