High Availability Networking with Cisco

Although the examples use Cisco routers, the underlying theory is vendor-independent, and most of the solutions presented easily can be adapted to routers and switches from any vendor. Similarly, the theoretical aspects discussed in this book can be applied to networks of all sizes and technologies. Sample solutions focus on the needs of moderately sized extended corporate networks using IP version 4.0 and stable performance technologies such as frame relay, ISDN, and Ethernet.

Readers will find an invaluable survey of all aspects of high availability network design, including the following:

• Network vulnerability and appropriate counter measures
• Selecting and tuning bridging and routing protocols for higher availability
• Multihomed hosts from individual client-to-server clusters
• Dial backup over asynchronous and ISDN links
• Single points of failure despite multiple routers at a single site
• Hub and spokes design approaches that scale
• Linking to another private network
• Multiple links to one or more Internet service providers
• alternate routing through redundant firewalls without sacrificing security
• Supporting legacy systems using Data Link Switching (DLSw)
• Disaster-recovery options, including hot backup and load sharing approaches
• Management considerations ranging from status monitoring to total quality control

Contents

1. Reliability Theory.