Home > Articles

This chapter is from the book

This chapter is from the book

Cisco Enterprise Architecture Model (1.2.2)

The Cisco Enterprise Architecture is a modular approach to network design. This topic discusses the enterprise campus module, enterprise edge module, and the service provider edge module.

Cisco Enterprise Architecture Model (1.2.2.1)

To accommodate the need for modularity in network design, Cisco developed the Cisco Enterprise Architecture model. This model provides all the benefits of the hierarchical network design on the campus infrastructure, and facilitates the design of larger, more scalable networks.

The Cisco Enterprise Architecture model separates the enterprise network into functional areas that are referred to as modules. The modularity that is built in to the architecture allows flexibility in network design and facilitates implementation and troubleshooting.

As shown in Figure 1-14, the following are the primary Cisco Enterprise Architecture modules:

  • Enterprise campus
  • Enterprise edge
  • Service provider edge

    Figure 1-14

    Figure 1-14 Cisco Enterprise Architecture Modules

Connected to the service provider edge are the remote modules, including

  • Enterprise branch
  • Enterprise teleworker
  • Enterprise data center

Cisco Enterprise Campus (1.2.2.2)

A campus network is a building or group of buildings connected into one enterprise network that consists of many LANs. A campus is generally limited to a fixed geographic area, but it can span several neighboring buildings (for example, an industrial complex or business park environment). Regional offices, SOHOs, and mobile workers may need to connect to the central campus for data and information.

The enterprise campus module describes the recommended methods to create a scalable network while addressing the needs of campus-style business operations. The architecture is modular and can easily expand to include additional campus buildings or floors as the enterprise grows.

As shown in Figure 1-15, the enterprise campus module consists of the following submodules:

  • Building access
  • Building distribution
  • Campus core
  • Data center

    Figure 1-15

    Figure 1-15 Enterprise Campus Module

Together these submodules

  • Provide high availability through a resilient hierarchical network design
  • Integrate IP communications, mobility, and advanced security
  • Utilize multicast traffic and QoS to optimize network traffic
  • Provide increased security and flexibility using access management, VLANs, and IPsec VPNs

The enterprise campus module architecture provides the enterprise with high availability through a resilient multilayer design, redundant hardware and software features, and automatic procedures for reconfiguring network paths when failures occur. Integrated security protects against and mitigates the impact of worms, viruses, and other attacks on the network, even at the switch port level.

A high-capacity, centralized data center module can provide internal server resources to users. The data center module typically also supports network management services for the enterprise, including monitoring, logging, troubleshooting, and other common management features from end to end. The data center submodule typically contains internal email and corporate servers that provide application, file, print, email, and Domain Name System (DNS) services to internal users.

Cisco Enterprise Edge (1.2.2.3)

The enterprise edge module provides connectivity for voice, video, and data services outside the enterprise. This module often functions as a liaison between the enterprise campus module and the other modules.

As shown in Figure 1-16, the enterprise edge module consists of submodules providing

  • E-commerce services
  • Internet connectivity
  • Remote access and VPN access
  • WAN site-to-site VPN access

    Figure 1-16

    Figure 1-16 Enterprise Edge Submodules

Specifically, these submodules consist of:

  • E-commerce networks and servers: The e-commerce submodule enables enterprises to support e-commerce applications through the Internet. It uses the high-availability designs of the data center module. Devices located in the e-commerce submodule include web, application, and database servers; firewall and firewall routers; and network intrusion prevention systems (IPS).
  • Internet connectivity and demilitarized zone (DMZ): The Internet submodule of the enterprise edge provides internal users with secure connectivity to Internet services such as public servers, email, and DNS. Connectivity to one or several Internet service providers (ISPs) is also provided. Components of this submodule include firewall and firewall routers, Internet edge routers, FTP and HTTP servers, SMTP relay servers, and DNS servers.
  • Remote access and VPN: The VPN/remote access submodule of the enterprise edge provides remote-access termination services, including authentication for remote users and sites. Components of this submodule include firewalls, dial-in access concentrators, Cisco Adaptive Security Appliances (ASA), and network intrusion prevention system (IPS) appliances.
  • WAN: The WAN submodule uses various WAN technologies for routing traffic between remote sites and the central site. Enterprise WAN links include technologies such as Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), Metro Ethernet, leased lines, Synchronous Optical Network (SONET) and Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH), PPP, Frame Relay, ATM, cable, digital subscriber line (DSL), and wireless.

Service Provider Edge (1.2.2.4)

Enterprises use service providers (SPs) to link to other sites. As shown in Figure 1-17, the SP edge module can include

  • Internet service providers (ISPs)
  • WAN services such as Frame Relay, ATM, and MAN
  • Public switched telephone network (PSTN) services

    Figure 1-17

    Figure 1-17 Service Provider Edge Module

The SP edge provides connectivity between the enterprise campus module to the remote enterprise data center, enterprise branch, and enterprise teleworker modules.

The SP edge module

  • Spans across large geographic areas in a cost effective manner
  • Converges voice, video, and data services over a single IP communications network
  • Supports QoS and service level agreements
  • Supports security using VPNs (IPsec / MPLS) over Layer 2 and Layer 3 WANs

When acquiring Internet services from an ISP, redundancy or failover should be considered. Redundant Internet connections vary depending if the enterprise is connecting to a single ISP or multiple ISPs.

As shown in Figure 1-18, redundant connections to a single ISP can include

  • Single-homed: A single connection to an ISP
  • Dual-homed: Two or more connections to a single ISP

    Figure 1-18

    Figure 1-18 Connecting to a Single ISP

Alternatively, it is possible to set up redundancy using multiple ISPs, as shown in

Figure 1-19. Options for connecting to multiple ISPs include

  • Multihomed: Connections to two or more ISPs
  • Dual-multihomed: Multiple connections to two or more ISPs

    Figure 1-19

    Figure 1-19 Connecting to Multiple ISPs

Remote Functional Area (1.2.2.5)

The remote functional area is responsible for remote connectivity options and includes the following modules, as shown in Figure 1-20.

Figure 1-20

Figure 1-20 Remote Connectivity Areas

Enterprise Branch

The enterprise branch module includes remote branches that allow employees to work at noncampus locations. These locations are typically responsible for providing security, telephony, and mobility options to employees, as well as general connectivity into the campus network and the different components located inside the enterprise campus. The enterprise branch module allows enterprises to extend head-office applications and services, such as security, Cisco Unified Communications, and advanced application performance, to the remote branches. The edge device connecting the remote site to the central site varies depending on the needs and size of the site. Large remote sites may use high-end Cisco Catalyst switches, while smaller sites may use an ISR G2 router. These remote sites rely on the SP edge to provide services and applications from the main site. In Figure 1-20, the enterprise branch module connects to the enterprise campus site primarily using a WAN link. However, it also has an Internet link as a backup. The Internet link uses site-to-site IPsec VPN technology to encrypt corporate data.

Enterprise Teleworker

The enterprise teleworker module is responsible for providing connectivity for workers who operate out of different geographically dispersed locations, including home offices, hotels, or customer/client sites. The teleworker module recommends that mobile users connect to the Internet using the services of a local ISP, such as cable modem or DSL. VPN services can then be used to secure communications between the mobile worker and central campus. Integrated security- and identity-based networking services enable the enterprise to extend campus security policies to the teleworker. Staff can securely log in to the network over the VPN and gain access to authorized applications and services from a single cost-effective platform.

Enterprise Data Center

The enterprise data center module is a data center with all of the same functional options as a campus data center, but exists at a remote location. This provides an added layer of security as the offsite data center can provide disaster recovery and business continuance services for the enterprise. High-end switches such as the Cisco Nexus series switch use fast WAN services such as Metro Ethernet (MetroE) to connect the enterprise campus to the remote enterprise data center. Redundant data centers provide backup using synchronous and asynchronous data and application replication. Additionally, the network and devices offer server and application load balancing to maximize performance. This solution allows the enterprise to scale without major changes to the infrastructure.

Pearson IT Certification Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from Pearson IT Certification and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Overview


Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about Pearson IT Certification products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information


To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites; develop new products and services; conduct educational research; and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email information@informit.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information


Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security


Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children


This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing


Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

  • Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
  • Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
  • Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
  • Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information


If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out


Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by Adobe Press. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.pearsonitcertification.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information


Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

  • As required by law.
  • With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
  • In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
  • To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
  • In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
  • To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
  • To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
  • To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
  • To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links


This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact


Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020