Physical infrastructure

In Chapters 1 and 5, we looked at the three-tier and the spine/leaf reference architectures with respect to network architecting. However, the diagrams don’t tell us or have enough information about the components and logical aspects of the overall network design. They are high-level diagrams showing general concepts and demarcation points.

The physical infrastructure of network architecture refers to tangible components and elements that form the physical foundation of the network. It encompasses hardware devices, cabling, and physical connections that enable communication and data transmission between devices. It’s important for a network architect to know the physical infrastructure in depth to make choice decisions in designing/building a safe, secure, stable, and reliable network fabric.

Network cabling

Physical network infrastructure often includes various types of cables that carry data between devices. These cables adhere to specific...