Using Switching Technologies

Using Switching Technologies
Switching technologies are crucial to the new network design. Because the prices on layer 2
switching have been dropping dramatically, it is easier to justify the cost of buying switches for
your entire network. This doesn’t mean that every business can afford switch ports for all users,
but it does allow for a cost-effective upgrade solution when the time comes.
To understand switching technologies and how routers and switches work together, you must
understand the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model. This section will give you a general
overview of the OSI model and the devices that are specified at each layer.
You’ll need a basic understanding of the OSI model to fully understand discussions
in which it is included throughout the rest of this book. For more detailed
information about the OSI model, please see
CCNA: Cisco Certified Network
Associate Study Guide
,
4th edition
, by Todd Lammle (Sybex, 2004).