Describing the Campus Infrastructure Module
Campus Infrastructure module

The Campus Infrastructure module connects users within a campus to the Server Farm and Edge Distribution modules. The Campus Infrastructure module is comprised of Building Access and Distribution switches connected through the campus backbone to campus resources.

A Campus Infrastructure module includes these submodules:

  • Building Access submodule (also known as Building Access layer) – Contains end-user workstations, IP Phones, and Layer 2 access switches that connect devices to the Building Distribution submodule. The Building Access submodule performs services such as support for multiple VLANs, Private VLANs and establishment of trunk links to Building Distribution layer and IP Phones. Each Building Access switch has connections to redundant switches in the Building Distribution submodule.
  • Building Distribution submodule (also known as Building Distribution layer) – Provides aggregation of Building Access devices, often using Layer 3 switching. The Building Distribution submodule performs routing, QoS, and access control. Traffic generally flows through the Building Distribution switches and onto the campus core or backbone. This submodule provides fast failure recovery because each Building Distribution switch maintains two equal-cost paths in the routing table to every Layer 3 network number. Each Building Distribution switch has connections to redundant switches in the core. Note deletion of Switch Block.
  • Campus Backbone submodule (also known as Building Core layer) – Provides redundant and fast-converging connectivity between buildings, the Server Farm and Edge Distribution modules. The purpose of the Building Core submodule is to switch traffic as fast as possible from one module. Forwarding decisions should be made at ASIC level whenever possible. Routing, ACLs and processor based forwarding decisions should be avoided at the core and implemented at Building Distribution devices whenever possible. High End Layer 2 or Layer 3 switches are used at the Core for high throughput with optimal routing, QoS, and security capabilities available when needed.