Chapter 11: Interconnecting Technologies Within the Network Design

Having made technology selections for the network design in Chapter 10, we complete the design process by connecting these technologies together within the network design. Methods to connect technologies (interconnection strategies), in conjunction with the technology choices made in the previous chapter, provide detail to the design in preparation for planning and installation.

11.1 Objectives

In this chapter, you will learn about interconnection strategies, particularly switching and routing. We will discuss in detail how switching and routing work, compare and contrast their characteristics, and determine where each strategy should be applied within the network.