What Is a Flat Network? Definition, Benefits, and How It Works
A flat network is a type of network architecture where all the devices in the data center can reach each other without having to go through intermediary devices like routers.
In a flat network, all devices are linked to a single switch, meaning that all the workstations connected to the flat network are part of the same network segment. Since all devices are connected to a single switch, it becomes one of the easiest network designs to manage. It is also very cost-effective.
Intermediate System to Intermediate System (IS-IS), Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (IGRP), and Routing Information Protocol (RIP) are some examples of flat network routing protocols.
What is a flat network and how do they work?
Flat networks are network architectures where all devices are connected to a single network segment without any hierarchy or central control. In a flat network, all devices are connected to a single switch or hub in the same broadcast area and communicate with each other without any intermediaries. These connected devices are considered peers with the same level of access.
Unlike a hierarchical network, where devices are segmented by intermediary hardware like routers, in a flat network, there is no hierarchy or division of a network into layers. When one connected device (A) sends a communication to another device (B), then all ports (we’ll call them X, Y, and Z) connected to the switch forward the exact same broadcast message—except the one that received the broadcast, in this case, device B. Ports X and Y may not need that information, yet they waste precious bandwidth in forwarding the message regardless. This happens because there is no logical segmentation, which restricts the traffic to non-designated devices.
Benefits of flat networks
Partially due to their simplicity, flat networks have a number of advantages, including their inexpensiveness, low learning curve, and speed of data transfer.
One benefit of flat networks is how cheap they are to set up. That’s because there’s no need for multiple routers and switches, as everything is connected back to a single switch, with low-cost hubs providing additional connectivity where necessary. In addition, since flat networks don’t require complex routing information, specialized design, or training, they significantly reduce internal IT costs.
When compared to mesh or star topologies, flat networks are simple and easy to set up. Because of this simplicity, it’s very easy to design a flat network. Not a lot of thought has to go into architecting it, so it’s easy to build, easy to operate (when it’s working properly, that is) and easy and cheap to maintain.
Although flat networks are cheap and easy to set up in any environment, several drawbacks in its architecture cannot be ignored, including their lack of redundancy, difficulty troubleshooting, and vulnerability to lateral attacks.
Flat networks are ideal for home user networks, mobile broadband operators, and small businesses primarily because of the cost savings associated with flat architecture over more complex systems. They’re easy to set up and don’t require costly hardware or complicated software to communicate with each other. Flat networks are also convenient for organizations with employees spread in different locations since they simplify the process of sharing resources through connected devices.
Flat network alternatives
Flat networks make it relatively easy for threat actors to access the entire network through a single entry point and quickly transmit malicious payloads throughout the system. In such a scenario, ransomware doesn’t take long to spread through the system, leaving flat networks vulnerable to widespread and pervasive cyberattacks.
A way out is to adopt a comprehensive defense-in-depth (DiD) strategy that helps protect your networks from cyberattacks. Network segmentation is a crucial part of a DiD security approach.
Network segmentation
Network segmentation is the process of splitting a network into smaller networks or subnets. Barriers are placed between the subnets, thus preventing interactions between them. With each subnet working as an independent unit, it prevents lateral movement and makes it difficult for malicious actors to take over the entire system. Therefore, one of the biggest benefits of network segmentation is that it improves security. Additionally, even if there is an attack, network segmentation isolates the attack to only that particular network, thereby preventing its spread to the rest of the network.
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