2 Design Explained
Key Concepts
2 Design in the context of Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr) involves two primary concepts:
- Network Design Principles
- Enterprise Architecture Design
Network Design Principles
Network Design Principles are foundational guidelines that ensure a network is structured for optimal performance, scalability, and security. These principles include:
- Modularity: Designing the network in a way that allows for easy management and scalability by breaking it into smaller, manageable modules.
- Redundancy: Ensuring high availability by providing backup paths and components to minimize downtime.
- Hierarchical Design: Structuring the network into layers (core, distribution, access) to simplify management and enhance performance.
- Scalability: The network's ability to grow and support more users, devices, and applications without compromising performance.
- Security: Designing the network to protect data, devices, and users from threats through layered security measures.
Enterprise Architecture Design
Enterprise Architecture Design is a strategic discipline that aligns an organization's IT infrastructure with its business goals. It involves:
- Business Architecture: Defining the structure and operation of business processes, information flows, and organizational structures.
- Application Architecture: Outlining the design and integration of software applications within an organization.
- Data Architecture: Focusing on the design and management of data assets within an organization.
- Technology Architecture: Defining the hardware, software, and network infrastructure required to support business and application needs.
- Security Architecture: Protecting an organization's assets from internal and external threats through security policies and controls.
Examples and Analogies
Consider a network as a city's infrastructure. The core layer is akin to the highways, allowing fast transit between major points. The distribution layer is like the streets, managing traffic flow within neighborhoods. The access layer is the local roads, connecting individual homes to the streets. Just as a city planner ensures roads are built to handle future growth, a network architect designs networks to scale with increasing demands.
In terms of security, think of a castle with multiple layers of defense. The outer walls protect against external threats, while internal guards monitor activities within. Similarly, a network's security architecture includes perimeter defenses and internal monitoring to safeguard against both external and internal threats.
For modularity, imagine a modular kitchen where each section (stove, sink, cabinets) can be updated or replaced independently. This is similar to a modular network where each layer or component can be managed and scaled separately, ensuring flexibility and ease of maintenance.
Finally, redundancy is like having multiple exits in a building. If one exit is blocked, people can still evacuate through the others. Similarly, redundant network paths ensure continuous operation even if one path fails, maintaining network availability.
In Enterprise Architecture Design, think of an organization as a city. Business Architecture is like the city's master plan, outlining how different sectors (residential, commercial, industrial) will function together. Application Architecture is akin to the city's transportation system, ensuring that people and goods can move efficiently between different parts of the city. Data Architecture is the city's water and electricity grid, ensuring that essential services are available and reliable. Technology Architecture is the city's infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and communication networks, that support daily operations. Security Architecture is the city's police and fire departments, ensuring safety and responding to emergencies.