Structured cabling systems and rack$-$mounted hardware in data centers make the process of moving a node from one switch to another a simple matter of moving a cable. The ease of central administration makes topologies that use central devices attractive. Such a topology is called a network backbone. These networks take advantage of Layer $2$ switching to separate collision domains and Layer $3$ routing to separate broadcast domains.

The three basic types of backbones are hierarchal, flat, and collapsed.

For this assignment:

Describe each type of backbone.

Describe the advantages, disadvantages, and conditions under which an organization would implement each.

Submit your work in the form of a summary report.