Introduction to Cisco Borderless Network

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With the rising demands of the converged network, recent developments in network design include the Cisco Borderless Network. This design allows organizations to support a borderless network that securely and consistently connects any person, everywhere on any device. It addresses IT and business challenges.

The Cisco Borderless Network structure merges wired and wireless access, access control, policy, and performance management of different device types. The hardware’s hierarchical infrastructure is also scalable and flexible.

The figure below illustrates the Cisco Borderless Network, which provides two primary sets of services: network and endpoint services, all managed by an integrated solution. This design enables different network elements to work mutually and allows access to resources from any place, providing optimization, scalability, and security.

A diagram of Cisco Borderless Networks showing a network topology. The main campus of a university is connected to the Internet Edge, which is linked to the internet. Two sub-campuses are connected via VPN and WAN to the main campus.
Cisco Borderless Networks Topology Diagram

Hierarchy in the Cisco Borderless Network

The Cisco borderless switched network’s primary needs are availability, flexibility, security, and manageability. The borderless switched network should also deliver current and future needs. The basic principles of the Borderless switched network are the following:

  • Hierarchical network design
  • Modularity
  • Resiliency
  • Flexibility

It is very important to understand the principle to fit a different situation. The hierarchical borderless switched network provides a base for the network designer to cover security, mobility, and unified communication features. Cisco designs three-tier and two-tier hierarchical networks for a campus.

The figure below illustrates the Cisco hierarchical network design. Its three tiers are the access, distribution, and core layers. Every layer can be seen as a clear, structured module with particular roles and functions in the campus network.

A diagram showing three network layers: Core Layer at the top, Distribution Layer in the middle, and Access Layer at the bottom, each represented by geometric shapes with connection points.
Hierarchical Network Design Layers Diagram

The campus hierarchical network design, which contains modularity, also provides critical network services that are resilient and flexible.  Modularity also assists in increasing and changing changes that occur over time.

Access, Distribution, and Core Layers

Access Layer

The access layer is where traffic enters or exits the campus network. It is also the edge of the campus network. Usually, the main function of an access layer is to give network connectivity and access to end-users.  The switches of the access layer connect to the switches of the distribution layer. The switches in the distribution layer apply network foundation technologies such as routing, QoS, and security.

To meet user needs and network applications, the next-generation switching platforms now present extra converged integrated and quick services to different types of endpoints at the edge of the network. Creating intelligence into the switches of an access layer allows applications to act more capable and securely on the network.

Distribution Layer

The distribution layer connects the access and core layers and includes many important functions. This layer provides intelligent switching and routing. It also provides network access policy functions to access the network and differentiated services to different classes of service applications at the edge of the network.

This layer also provides ease of use throughout the redundant distribution layer switches to the end-user and equal-cost paths to the core layer. The distribution layer also aggregates large-scale wiring closet networks, Layer 2 broadcast domains, and Layer 3 routing boundaries.

Core Layer

This layer is the backbone of the Cisco borderless network. The core layer connects several layers of the campus network, works as the aggregator for all the other campus blocks, and interconnects the campuses inside the network. The core layer’s main functions are speedy fault isolation and high-speed backbone connectivity.

Collapsed Core Network

A three-tier campus network is usually planned for organizations where access, distribution, and core are required as separate layers. This is required because of the need for a basic, cost-effective, scalable, and efficient physical layout design for a large-scale network with many campuses. The best practice is to make an extended-star physical topology from the main campus to all other campuses.

A campus with fewer users accessing the network or a single-building campus usually does not require separate core and distribution layers. The network structure required in this situation is called a collapsed network.

It is also called a two-tier campus network.  In a collapsed network, the role of the core switches moves to the distribution switches, merging the core and distribution layers. The figure below illustrates the collapsed campus network example.

A diagram showing two layers of a network structure. The top layer is labeled ‘Collapsed Core’ and features an icon representing a collapsed core and distribution layer, depicted as a cube with multiple lines radiating from its center. Below a dotted line, the bottom layer is labeled ‘Access Layer’ with an icon of a simple rectangle.
Network Structure Diagram with Collapsed Core and Access Layer

FAQs-Introduction to Cisco Borderless Network

Q1: What is the Cisco Borderless Network? 

A: The Cisco Borderless Network is a network design that allows organizations to securely and consistently connect any person, anywhere, on any device. It addresses IT and business challenges by providing a scalable and flexible network infrastructure.

Q2: What are the primary components of the Cisco Borderless Network? 

A: The primary components include network and endpoint services, all managed by an integrated solution. This design merges wired and wireless access, access control, policy, and performance management of different device types.

Q3: What are the key principles of the Cisco Borderless Network? 

A: The key principles are hierarchical network design, modularity, resiliency, and flexibility. These principles help create a secure, scalable, and adaptable network to current and future needs.

Q4: What is the Cisco Borderless Network’s hierarchical structure? 

A: The hierarchical structure consists of three layers: access, distribution, and core. Each layer has specific roles and functions, providing a clear and structured module for network design.

Q5: How does the access layer function in the Cisco Borderless Network? 

A: Traffic enters or exits the campus network at the access layer. It provides network connectivity and access to end-users and connects to the distribution layer switches, which handle routing, QoS, and security.

Q6: What benefits does the Cisco Borderless Network offer? 

A: It offers optimization, scalability, security, and flexibility. It enables different network elements to work together seamlessly, allowing access to resources from any place.

Q7: How does the Cisco Borderless Network address security concerns? 

A: The network design includes robust security measures at every layer, ensuring secure access and data protection across the entire network.

Q8: Can the Cisco Borderless Network support both wired and wireless access? 

A: Yes, it integrates both, providing a unified approach to network connectivity and management.