Switching Technologies

Objectives and outcomes

Familiarity with packet switching technologies in local area networks and advanced configuration techniques of local computer networks with the aim of achieving high network availability. Getting to know the basics of packet switching, working with L2 and L3 switches. Knowledge of VLAN technologies for virtualization of local networks and their advanced configuration. Knowledge of how to prevent switching loops using STP, RSTP and MST routing. Getting to know the basic techniques for protecting local computer networks.

Lectures

Packet switching steps, differences between L2 and MLS (L3) switches, working with MAC forwarding table, SDM templates, CDP and LLDP, PoE, UDLD, SPAN and RSPAN, StackWise. Virtual LAN (VLAN), Voice VLAN theory and configuration, VLAN pruning, Trunk, VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP) theoretical and practical applications. Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) port states, convergence time. PVST + theoretical foundations and configuration. MSTP and Rapid PVST + theory and configuration. Link redundancy technologies and network devices. EtherChannel technology and its application on L2 and L3 links, problem-solving. HSRP, VRRP and GLBP theory and configuration. Access port protection, storm control, private VLAN, dynamic ARP inspection, DHCP snooping, source IP address protection, AAA services.

Practical classes

Introduction to the basics of  CISCO Packet Tracer. Basic network simulation with L2 switches and computers. Essential functions and configurations of L3 switches. Configuring VLANs. Configuration of access links. Trunk link configuration. Routing between VLANs using a router-on-the- stick technique. STP protocol configuration. Configuring the root-bridge function in the STP process. RSTP protocol configuration. Layer 2 EtherChannel configuration. Layer 3 EtherChannel configuration. Simulation of the practical application of EtherChannel, RSTP and VLAN technologies in the same network. Configuration and testing of the HSRP protocol to increase the redundancy of the default router.