Campus Data Networking Architecture:
Alternative B
Fully Switched Core
Alternative B presents a transition point between Alternative A and Alternative C. The only changes are in the central routing core ("Inter-building backbone"). Rather than a collapsed backbone of routers, the central hub now uses an ATM switch coupled to a "super router" to route between the subnets. A series of smaller routing switches, still located in a central core, start to share a distributed routing load. While management and operations continue to benefit from a single, consolidated location for this equipment, Penn moves one step closer to being able to distribute its routing load to multiple locations when necessary. The nature of the routers and switches at the center are now changing substantially, both in terms of cost and the relative functionality of each object (switching versus routing).
Since ATM switching is now a feature, some direct ATM connections are made possible into the production network either to support advanced projects now in production or servers that require the added bandwidth.
Please address comments or questions to Dr. Noam Arzt, arzt@isc.upenn.edu [6/18/96]
URL: http://nextb.dccs.upenn.edu/noam/questnet96/arch/alt-b.html