Overview
A hands on comprehensive look at Ethernet switches with extensive coverage of VLANs. The course focuses on the technology and not any one manufacturers product enabling delegates to configure switches from any manufacturer.
Prerequisites
Delegates will learn how to
By the end of the course delegates will be able to:
Configure and troubleshoot VLANs.
Configure and troubleshoot switches using:
- Console port
- Telnet
- HTTP
- TFTP
Configure and troubleshoot switch features such as:
- Duplex/speed
- Port based MAC security
- Spanning Tree
- Link aggregation
- Tagged ports
Configure and troubleshoot VLANs.
Outline
What is Ethernet?
LANs, network cards and cables, CSMA/CD, Ethernet frames, Ethernet evolution, 802.3.
Hands on: ping, Ethernet speeds, CSMA/CD.
Ethernet layer 2
Layer 2 functions, NICs, MAC addresses, unicasts, multicasts and broadcasts, frame formats.
Hands on: Configuring NICs, Analysing MAC addresses with Wireshark
IP and Ethernet
Relationship
Hands on: ARP.
What is a switch?
Switches connect multiple devices, switches versus hubs, simultaneous conversations, switches work at layer 2, the forwarding database, how the forwarding database is built, broadcast and collision domains
Hands on: Difference between hubs and switches.
Switch configuration
Switch configuration Managed/unmanaged switches, configuration methods, reasons to configure switches. Console ports, HyperTerminal (and alternatives).
Hands on: Using the console port to troubleshoot and configure switches.
Switches in more detail
Latency, forwarding mechanisms, switch fabrics.
Hands on: Using telnet and HTTP to switches.
Ethernet extensions
Auto negotiation, Power over Ethernet.
Hands on:Configuring and troubleshooting switch ports: Speed, duplex and security.
Redundant links
Loops, broadcast storms, STP, BPDU format, STP convergence.
Hands on: Tracking blocked ports. STP convergence.
Backbone links
Architectures, link aggregation, LACP, load sharing, resilience.
Hands on: fail over times.
VLANs
Virtual versus physical LANs, Why have VLANs? Broadcast domains, Creating VLANs, Assigning ports to VLANs.
Hands on: Analysing the effect of VLANs on traffic.
Enterprise VLANs
VLANS are internal, multiple VLANs, Load balancing, Default VLAN, VLAN registration protocols: VTP, GVRP, MVRP.
Hands on: VLANs on multiple switches.
Tagging/Trunking
Reason for tagging, terminology, tagging process, 802.1Q, Tag format, VLAN stacking.
Hands on: Configuring and troubleshooting tags.
STP variants
RSTP, Common STP, Multiple STP, PVST, ring alternatives.
Hands on: RSTP.
Inter VLANs
Layer 3 switching, IP addressing rules, Interconnecting VLANs.
Hands on: Routing between VLANs.
Troubleshooting Ethernet
Methods, tools, locating faults, layer 1 issues, layer 2 issues
Hands on: Fixing the network.
Frequently asked questions
How can I create an account on myQA.com?
There are a number of ways to create an account. If you are a self-funder, simply select the "Create account" option on the login page.
If you have been booked onto a course by your company, you will receive a confirmation email. From this email, select "Sign into myQA" and you will be taken to the "Create account" page. Complete all of the details and select "Create account".
If you have the booking number you can also go here and select the "I have a booking number" option. Enter the booking reference and your surname. If the details match, you will be taken to the "Create account" page from where you can enter your details and confirm your account.
Find more answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs: Bookings & Cancellations page.
How do QA’s virtual classroom courses work?
Our virtual classroom courses allow you to access award-winning classroom training, without leaving your home or office. Our learning professionals are specially trained on how to interact with remote attendees and our remote labs ensure all participants can take part in hands-on exercises wherever they are.
We use the WebEx video conferencing platform by Cisco. Before you book, check that you meet the WebEx system requirements and run a test meeting to ensure the software is compatible with your firewall settings. If it doesn’t work, try adjusting your settings or contact your IT department about permitting the website.
How do QA’s online courses work?
QA online courses, also commonly known as distance learning courses or elearning courses, take the form of interactive software designed for individual learning, but you will also have access to full support from our subject-matter experts for the duration of your course. When you book a QA online learning course you will receive immediate access to it through our e-learning platform and you can start to learn straight away, from any compatible device. Access to the online learning platform is valid for one year from the booking date.
All courses are built around case studies and presented in an engaging format, which includes storytelling elements, video, audio and humour. Every case study is supported by sample documents and a collection of Knowledge Nuggets that provide more in-depth detail on the wider processes.
When will I receive my joining instructions?
Joining instructions for QA courses are sent two weeks prior to the course start date, or immediately if the booking is confirmed within this timeframe. For course bookings made via QA but delivered by a third-party supplier, joining instructions are sent to attendees prior to the training course, but timescales vary depending on each supplier’s terms. Read more FAQs.
When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates of Achievement are issued at the end the course, either as a hard copy or via email. Read more here.