collapsed core

A collapsed core architecture merges the traditional core and distribution layers into a single layer of high-performance switches. This design simplifies network management, reduces hardware costs, and can improve performance by minimizing the number of hops for data traffic.

Collapsed core is ideal for medium-sized enterprises and modern data centers, where agility and cost-efficiency are priorities. However, careful planning is needed to avoid single points of failure and to ensure redundancy and scalability as network demands grow.

Best practices include planning for scalability, implementing redundant links, and leveraging automation for management and monitoring.