Implicit topologies

Implicit topologies are complex VPN network configurations that

  • combine elements from the three main VPN topologies (full mesh, hub-and-spoke, and point-to-point)

  • create more advanced network architectures than individual topology types, and

  • provide customized connectivity solutions for specific network requirements.

Types of implicit topologies

  • Partial mesh: A network where some devices use a full mesh topology, while others form either hub-and-spoke or point-to-point connections with some fully meshed devices. The partial mesh does not offer the redundancy found in a full mesh but costs less to implement. Peripheral networks use partial mesh topologies to connect to a fully meshed backbone.

  • Tiered hub-and-spoke: A network of hub-and-spoke topologies where devices act as a hub in some topologies and as a spoke in others. Spoke groups can send traffic to their closest hub.

  • Joined hub-and-spoke: A combination of two topologies (hub-and-spoke, point-to-point, or full mesh) that connect to form a point-to-point tunnel. For example, a joined hub-and-spoke topology could comprise two hub-and-spoke topologies, with the hubs acting as peer devices in a point-to-point topology.