Network Infrastructure

What is Network Infrastructure?

Network infrastructure is the hardware and software that enables a computer network’s operation and management. The infrastructure provides a foundation that allows users and network devices to connect with each other, communicate, and share data.

In everyday speech, the term network infrastructure may also be used to describe a network’s setup and design. When discussing network infrastructure in a technical context, however, using the terms network scope, topology, connection type, and architecture can help ensure that discussion participants have a shared understanding of the network’s purpose, physical and logical layout, use of cabling, and communication structure.

Table of Contents Table of Contents

1. What is Network Infrastructure?
2. Key Takeaways
3. Network Infrastructure Components
4. Types of Network Infrastructure
5. Network Infrastructure Importance
6. Network Infrastructure Management
7. How to Document Network Infrastructure
8. Network Infrastructure vs. IT Infrastructure
9. Network Infrastructure Benefits and Challenges
10. Network Infrastructure Security
11. The Bottom Line
12. FAQs
13. References

Show Full Guide

Table of Contents

1. What is Network Infrastructure?
2. Key Takeaways
3. Network Infrastructure Components
Show Full Guide
4. Types of Network Infrastructure
5. Network Infrastructure Importance
6. Network Infrastructure Management
7. How to Document Network Infrastructure
8. Network Infrastructure vs. IT Infrastructure
9. Network Infrastructure Benefits and Challenges
10. Network Infrastructure Security
11. The Bottom Line
12. FAQs
13. References

Network Infrastructure Components

Network infrastructures can be built with physical or virtual components. Communication and network protocols and services enable infrastructure connectivity, communication, and functionality.

Today, many organizations use a hybrid approach to take advantage of physical, virtual, and software-defined infrastructure components. For example, a small to midsize business (SMB) might use physical infrastructure for core network components and virtual or software-defined infrastructure components to provide scalability and centralized management.

Network Infrastructure: Hardware and Software Components

Hardware and software components work together to enable connectivity, communication, and resource sharing.

Types of Network Infrastructure

Network infrastructures can be categorized by their scope, connection type, topology, architecture, or delivery model. Hybrid network infrastructures typically combine on-premises with cloud-based components or integrate different connection types (like wired, wireless, and cellular) to support diverse applications and user requirements.

Network Infrastructure Importance

When a network’s infrastructure is robust and well-maintained, it allows users to communicate and access resources locally and across external networks, including the Internet.

For example, voice over IP (VoIP) relies on network infrastructure to support clear, uninterrupted conversations. The quality of network infrastructure components can impact people’s ability to use virtual phone numbers and take advantage of voice over IP (VoIP) unlimited calling and international calling features. Outdated or poorly maintained network infrastructure can result in latency, jitter, and packet loss.

Network Infrastructure Management

Network infrastructure management ensures infrastructure components, and the protocols and services that support them, work together efficiently.

It’s worth noting that in 2024, Cisco updated the CCNA exam to address how network infrastructure components have evolved over the years. For example, the section on network infrastructure management now considers automation, software-defined networking (SDN), and Infrastructure as Code (IaaC) to be integral components of network infrastructure management.

Essentially, IaaC can be used to define and manage network infrastructure, SDN can be used to centralize network management, and automation can initiate and complete infrastructure management tasks with minimal human assistance.

How to Document Network Infrastructure

To understand a network’s infrastructure, it can be helpful to document the network’s physical and logical components.

The documentation can help network administrators, network architects, and wireless network engineers scale a network’s infrastructure and troubleshoot connection and quality of service (QoS) issues.

Network Infrastructure vs. IT Infrastructure

Information technology (IT) infrastructure is a broad term that encompasses all the digital resources that support business operations. In contrast, network infrastructure is the aspect of IT infrastructure that enables device connectivity and communication.

Network Infrastructure Benefits and Challenges

Overall, the benefits of a well-designed and managed network infrastructure outweigh the challenges for most organizations. Strategically evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of on-premises versus cloud-based infrastructure, however, allows organizations to align their network infrastructure with their specific business needs and growth trajectory.

Network Infrastructure Security

Over the years, the increasing number of network infrastructure components has expanded the network attack surface. Hybrid infrastructures have also made it difficult for administrators and engineers to gain complete visibility into network infrastructure, which in turn has made threat detection more challenging for network security teams

The Bottom Line

In the past, network infrastructure definitions often focused on routers, switches, and other physical hardware components. With the widespread use of virtualization and cloud computing, however, the meaning of network infrastructure has expanded to include virtual and software-defined components.

FAQs