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Difficulty: HardNetwork Topology Architectures

Match each network topology architecture to its corresponding structural design trait and traffic flow optimization behavior.

  • Routed Access 3-Tier Campus ArchitectureEliminates Layer 2 loop-prevention protocols on edge uplinks by terminating VLANs at the access switch and using an interior gateway routing protocol directly to the distribution layer.
  • Spine-Leaf (Clos) Data Center ArchitectureProvides predictable, single-hop latency for East-West traffic flows using a bipartite topology where switches within the same tier do not directly interconnect.
  • Collapsed Core 2-Tier ArchitectureConsolidates core routing and aggregation functions into a unified switch pair to minimize physical footprint while providing high availability for smaller enterprise sites.
  • Traditional Layer 2 Access 3-Tier ArchitectureExtends VLANs across access switches to distribution nodes, requiring Spanning Tree Protocol to block redundant uplinks and prevent Layer 2 loops.

Answer

Routed Access 3-Tier Campus Architecture pairs with terminating VLANs at the access switch using IGP routing. Spine-Leaf Data Center Architecture pairs with predictable single-hop latency via a bipartite non-interconnected tier design. Collapsed Core 2-Tier Architecture pairs with consolidating core routing and aggregation into a unified switch pair. Traditional Layer 2 Access 3-Tier Architecture pairs with extending VLANs across access switches requiring STP loop blocking.
Each topology pattern is accurately matched based on its architectural boundaries and operational characteristics: Routed Access eliminates STP on uplinks via Layer 3 edge routing; Spine-Leaf uses a bipartite design for consistent East-West latency; Collapsed Core combines core and aggregation layers to save cost; and Traditional Layer 2 Access relies on STP to block redundant Layer 2 uplinks.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the Layer 2/Layer 3 boundary for Routed Access.
In a Routed Access model, routing occurs at the access switch, so uplinks are routed point-to-point links. This eliminates Layer 2 loops and Spanning Tree Protocol blocking on uplinks.
Moving the routing boundary to the access switch limits broadcast domains to a single switch.
2
Evaluate the connectivity rules of Spine-Leaf (Clos) topologies.
Spine-Leaf uses a bipartite graph (leaf switches connect to all spines; spine switches connect to all leaves; no intra-tier links).
This guarantees equal distance (two hops) and equal-cost multi-pathing (ECMP) for East-West server traffic.
3
Examine the physical consolidation in a Collapsed Core design.
A Collapsed Core merges Distribution (policy/aggregation) and Core (high-speed transport) into a single layer.
This reduces equipment count, cabling complexity, and cost for smaller deployment environments.
4
Identify the primary operational requirement of Traditional Layer 2 Access designs.
Extending Layer 2 VLANs across multiple access switches to distribution switches creates Layer 2 loops across redundant uplinks.
Spanning Tree Protocol must block redundant paths to maintain a loop-free topology.

Key Concept

Comparison of Enterprise Campus and Data Center Network Topology Architectures
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Topics

Network Topology Architectures

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