Compare and contrast collapsed core and three-tier architectures

Collapsed core-

Core and Distribution layers are combined as a single layer

The collapsed core devices must be capable of core functions: high speed network connectivity and distribution functions: routing, filtering, NAT, etc.


Three-tier is a hierarchical model:




Core - move large amounts of traffic as fast as possible. Majority of users
Distribution - routing, filtering, WAN access, NAT, firewalls, redistribution
Access - device connectivity

Three separate levels doesn’t necessarily mean three separate physical devices