Campus Data Networking Architecture:
Alternative A
Pervasive Ethernet Switches/
Selective 100 Mb

Major features include:

Inter-building backbone: Collapsed backbone interconnected via FDDI remains, though with fewer, more powerful routers.

Intra-building backbone: Buildings are connected to the backbone via ethernet, or 100+ Mb/sec technology (FDDI or fast ethernet) where necessary for increased bandwidth. Ethernet or fast ethernet switches deployed in all buildings reduce the size of the collision domain within buildings and provide a scalable building interconnection.

Wiring strategies and standards: EIA/TIA 568 continues to be the wiring standard. Ethernet switches are deployed within closets if necessary, though shared ethernets within buildings dominate. Secure hubs prevent promiscuous listening on shared segments. Some 100-Base-X fast ethernet outlets are deployed. Campus ethernet connections begin to migrate towards "personal ethernet" which allows local hubs on 10-base-T or fast ethernet outlets.