|
Although every large internetwork has unique features, all scalable
networks have essential attributes in common. A scalable network has
five key characteristics:
- Reliable and available – A responsive network should
provide Quality of Service (QoS) for various applications and
protocols without making responses at the desktop worse.
- Responsive – A responsive network should provide Quality
of Service (QoS) for various applications and protocols without
making responses at the desktop worse. The internetwork must be
capable of responding to latency issues common for Systems Network
Architecture (SNA) traffic. However, the internetwork must still
route desktop traffic without compromising QoS.
- Efficient – Large internetworks must optimize the use of
resources, especially bandwidth. It is possible to increase data
throughput without adding hardware or buying more WAN services. To
do this, reduce unnecessary broadcasts, service location requests,
and routing updates.
- Adaptable – An adaptable network can
accommodate different protocols, applications, and hardware
technologies.
- Accessible but secure – An accessible network allows for
connections using dedicated, dialup, and switched services while
maintaining network integrity.
The Cisco IOS offers a rich set of features that support network
scalability. The remainder of this module discusses IOS
features that support these five characteristics of a
scalable network.
|