When designing an IP networking infrastructure, administrators often face critical challenges related to distance, power sourcing, and cable deployment for optimal network coverage. These factors can significantly impact the effectiveness and reach of the network.

In the realm of system networking, three key types of switches are frequently mentioned: access switches, aggregation switches, and core switches. The part of the network that directly connects to user devices is referred to as the access layer. The layer that lies between the access layer and the core layer is known as the distribution or aggregation layer, while the backbone of the network is termed the core layer.