To accommodate the need for modularity in network design, Cisco developed the Cisco Enterprise Architecture model. This model provides all the benefits of the hierarchical network design on the campus infrastructure, and facilitates the design of larger, more scalable networks.
The Cisco Enterprise Architecture model separates the enterprise network into functional areas that are referred to as modules. The modularity that is built into the architecture allows flexibility in network design and facilitates implementation and troubleshooting.
As shown in the figure, the following are the primary Cisco Enterprise Architecture modules:
- Enterprise Campus
- Enterprise Edge
- Service Provider Edge
Connected to the Service Provider Edge are additional modules including:
- Enterprise Data Center
- Enterprise Branch
- Enterprise Teleworker