Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE)
1 Network Design Fundamentals
1-1 Network Design Principles
1-2 Network Design Lifecycle
1-3 Network Design Methodologies
1-4 Network Design Best Practices
2 Enterprise Architecture and Design
2-1 Enterprise Network Architecture
2-2 Network Segmentation and Micro-Segmentation
2-3 Network Virtualization
2-4 Software-Defined Networking (SDN)
2-5 Network Function Virtualization (NFV)
3 Network Infrastructure Design
3-1 Physical Network Design
3-2 Logical Network Design
3-3 Network Addressing and Naming
3-4 Network Topology Design
3-5 Network Redundancy and Resilience
4 Network Services Design
4-1 Routing and Switching Design
4-2 Wireless Network Design
4-3 Network Security Design
4-4 Network Management and Monitoring
4-5 Quality of Service (QoS) Design
4-6 Network Automation and Orchestration
5 Data Center Design
5-1 Data Center Architecture
5-2 Data Center Network Design
5-3 Storage Area Network (SAN) Design
5-4 Data Center Security
5-5 Data Center Virtualization
5-6 Data Center Automation
6 Cloud and Hybrid Network Design
6-1 Cloud Network Architecture
6-2 Hybrid Network Design
6-3 Cloud Security Design
6-4 Cloud Automation and Orchestration
6-5 Multi-Cloud and Hybrid Cloud Strategies
7 Network Design Implementation and Optimization
7-1 Network Design Implementation
7-2 Network Optimization Techniques
7-3 Network Performance Tuning
7-4 Network Troubleshooting and Diagnostics
7-5 Network Design Documentation
8 Network Design Governance and Compliance
8-1 Network Design Governance
8-2 Regulatory and Compliance Requirements
8-3 Network Design Auditing
8-4 Network Design Change Management
8-5 Network Design Risk Management
9 Emerging Technologies and Trends
9-1 Internet of Things (IoT) Network Design
9-2 5G Network Design
9-3 Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Network Design
9-4 Blockchain in Network Design
9-5 Edge Computing Network Design
6.2 Hybrid Network Design

6.2 Hybrid Network Design

Hybrid Network Design involves integrating multiple network technologies and architectures to create a unified, flexible, and scalable network. This approach allows organizations to leverage the strengths of different network types, such as on-premises, cloud, and edge networks, to meet diverse business needs.

1. Integration of On-Premises and Cloud Networks

Hybrid networks seamlessly integrate on-premises infrastructure with cloud services. This allows organizations to maintain control over sensitive data and applications while benefiting from the scalability and cost-efficiency of cloud services.

Example: A company might host its core financial systems on-premises for security and compliance reasons, while using cloud-based services for customer relationship management (CRM) and email. The hybrid network ensures that both environments can communicate efficiently, providing a unified user experience.

2. Edge Computing Integration

Edge computing involves processing data closer to the source, reducing latency and bandwidth usage. Hybrid networks incorporate edge computing to support real-time applications and IoT devices, enhancing performance and responsiveness.

Example: In a smart city project, traffic lights and environmental sensors generate large amounts of data. By integrating edge computing into the hybrid network, data can be processed locally, reducing the need to transmit all data to a central data center. This ensures real-time decision-making and efficient resource utilization.

3. Network Virtualization

Network Virtualization abstracts physical network resources into virtual networks, enabling dynamic allocation and management. In hybrid networks, virtualization allows for the creation of isolated environments that can span on-premises, cloud, and edge locations.

Example: A hybrid network might use Software-Defined Networking (SDN) to create virtual networks for different departments or projects. Each virtual network can be configured and managed independently, ensuring that resources are allocated based on specific needs. This is similar to having multiple virtual workspaces within a single physical office.

4. Security and Compliance

Security and compliance are critical in hybrid networks, as they span multiple environments and technologies. Robust security measures, such as encryption, access controls, and monitoring, ensure that data and applications are protected across all network segments.

Example: A hybrid network might use end-to-end encryption to secure data in transit between on-premises and cloud environments. Access controls ensure that only authorized users and devices can access sensitive resources. Regular security audits and compliance checks ensure that the network meets industry standards and regulations.

5. Scalability and Flexibility

Hybrid networks are designed to be scalable and flexible, allowing organizations to adapt to changing business needs. This includes the ability to add new services, expand network capacity, and integrate new technologies seamlessly.

Example: As a company grows, it might need to add more cloud services or edge computing capabilities. The hybrid network design allows for easy integration of these new components, ensuring that the network can scale without disrupting existing operations. This is akin to adding new rooms to a house without affecting the existing structure.

Understanding these key concepts of Hybrid Network Design is essential for creating a flexible, scalable, and secure network that meets the diverse needs of modern organizations. By integrating on-premises and cloud networks, leveraging edge computing, implementing network virtualization, ensuring security and compliance, and maintaining scalability, network designers can build robust hybrid networks that support business growth and innovation.