Cisco 2950 Software Configuration Guide - Page 47

Chapter 1 Overview Network Configuration Examples Small to Medium-Sized Network Configuration Figure 1-2 shows a configuration for a network that has up to 250 users. Users in this network require e-mail, file-sharing, database, and Internet access. You optimize network performance by placing workstations on the same logical segment as the servers they access most often. This divides the network into smaller segments (or workgroups) and reduces the amount of traffic that travels over a network backbone, thereby increasing the bandwidth available to each user and improving server response time. Figure 1-2 Small to Medium-Sized Network Configuration Cisco 2600 router Catalyst 2900 XL, Catalyst 2950, Catalyst 3550, and Catalyst 3500 XL GigaStack cluster 100 Mbps (200 Mbps full duplex) Gigabit server 1 Gbps (2 Gbps full duplex) Gigabit server 10/100 Mbps (20/200 Mbps full duplex) 60993 Single workstations A network backbone is a high-bandwidth connection (such as Fast Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet) that interconnects segments and network resources. It is required if numerous segments require access to the servers. The Catalyst 2900 XL, Catalyst 2950, Catalyst 3500 XL, and Catalyst 3550 switches in this network are connected through a GigaStack GBIC on each switch to form a 1-Gbps network backbone. This GigaStack can also be configured as a switch cluster, with primary and secondary command switches for redundant cluster management. Workstations are connected directly to the 10/100 switch ports for their own 10- or 100-Mbps access to network resources (such as web and mail servers). When a workstation is configured for full-duplex operation, it receives up to 200 Mbps of dedicated bandwidth from the switch. 78-11380-10 Catalyst 2950 and Catalyst 2955 Switch Software Configuration Guide 1-13