Anyone have any good links on how to create a multitiered network?

Question

I've recently been in charge of implementing a new network solution for my employer, and while I have been a systems admin for over 5 years now, I haven't been integral in the design and implementation of a multitiered network (different segments for the front-end, web-servers and databases), so I'm looking for any links or documents online that people might have marked, or perhaps any personal pointers/tips from personal experience.

Answer 1

What you need to search for is the "access, distribution, core" model of hierarchical network design. Medium to large sized networks are commonly built using a 3-layer hierarchy: Access, Distribution and Core. The access switches are where end user PCs and workstations and printers get connected and where some security and QoS takes place. The distribution switches are used to aggregate multiple access switches as well as take care of routing, filtering, access lists, etc. The core switches are simply there to forward data frames as fast as possible. The core switch(es) can also be designed using L2 or L3 protocols, and the core is designed to be as fault tolerant and highly available and as fast as possible.

The following links should help:
http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/atm/ls1010s/wa4/11_3/trb_gd/expl_net.htm

http://www.networknewz.com/2004/0206.html

http://www.mcmcse.com/cisco/guides/hierarchical_model.shtml

Answer 2

There's a few hundred articles about networking at http://networking.hammocksurvivalguide.com/
Have a look there.

Answer 3

http://www.cisco.com/

Answer 4

http://www.linktionary.com/m/multitiered.html
hope this helps