Question

Difficulty: MediumNetwork Topology Architectures

Match each network topology architecture on the left to its defining operational characteristic or primary design focus on the right. Which alignment correctly matches each architecture to its intended implementation traits?

  • Spine-Leaf (Clos) ArchitectureDelivers deterministic, non-blocking two-hop latency for east-west data center traffic using Layer 3 ECMP routing between all leaf and spine nodes.
  • Three-Tier Campus ArchitectureSegregates network roles into discrete Access, Distribution, and Core physical layers to support large-scale enterprise campus scalability and policy enforcement.
  • Collapsed Core ArchitectureMerges distribution routing and core backbone switching into a single redundant switch pair to reduce cost and complexity in mid-sized networks.
  • SOHO Network TopologyIntegrates routing, switching, wireless access point, and firewall functionalities into a single physical gateway appliance.

Answer

Spine-Leaf Architecture aligns with delivering deterministic two-hop latency for east-west data center traffic; Three-Tier Campus Architecture aligns with segregating network roles into discrete Access, Distribution, and Core layers; Collapsed Core Architecture aligns with merging distribution routing and core switching into a single switch pair; and SOHO Network Topology aligns with integrating routing, switching, wireless, and firewall services into a single gateway appliance.
Each topology matches its core operational purpose: Spine-Leaf provides deterministic 2-hop latency for east-west data center traffic; Three-Tier segregates access, distribution, and core into separate layers for enterprise scaling; Collapsed Core merges distribution and core into a single switch pair for smaller campuses; and SOHO integrates all network services into one device.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the primary operational requirement of Spine-Leaf (Clos) topologies.
Identify that Spine-Leaf topologies use a two-tier full mesh between leaf and spine switches to optimize east-west traffic with predictable 2-hop latency and ECMP.
Spine-Leaf is designed specifically to overcome Spanning Tree bottlenecks in data centers.
2
Evaluate campus architecture options (3-Tier vs. Collapsed Core).
Map 3-Tier to distinct Access, Distribution, and Core layers, and Collapsed Core to designs where Distribution and Core functions share a single device pair.
Collapsed Core optimizes costs for medium sites, whereas 3-Tier scales up to multi-building enterprise environments.
3
Evaluate small office deployment characteristics.
Map SOHO topology to integrated single-appliance gateways combining WAN, LAN switch ports, wireless, and security services.
SOHO environments prioritize low footprint, simplicity, and integrated functions over hierarchical multi-switch scaling.

Key Concept

Enterprise Network Topology Architectures (3-Tier, Collapsed Core, Spine-Leaf, and SOHO)
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