Recall that the Cisco Enterprise Architecture, based on the Cisco SONA, includes branch modules that focus on the remote places in the network. Enterprises are seeking opportunities to protect, optimize, and grow their businesses by increasing security; consolidating voice, video, and data onto a single IP network; and investing in applications that will improve productivity and operating efficiencies. These services provide enterprises with new opportunities to reduce costs, improve productivity, and safeguard information assets in all their locations. Teleworker architecture is covered in the later “Enterprise Teleworker (Branch of One) Design” section.

Figure: Enterprise Branch Services

The Cisco Enterprise Branch architecture takes into account the services that enterprises want to deploy at their endpoints, no matter how far away the endpoints are or how they are connected. Figure below illustrates how branch services relate to the other parts of the Cisco Enterprise architectures. The Cisco Enterprise Branch Architecture, illustrated in Figure below, is an integrated, flexible, and secure framework for extending headquarters applications in real time to remote sites. The Cisco Enterprise Branch Architecture applies the SONA framework to the smaller scale of a branch location.

Figure: Enterprise Branch Architecture

Common network components that might be implemented in the Enterprise Branch include the following:

■ Routers providing WAN edge connectivity

■ Switches providing the LAN infrastructure

■ Security appliances defending the branch devices

■ Wireless access points for device mobility

■ Call-processing and video equipment for IP telephony and video support

■ End-user devices, including IP phones and computers