Key components of the course include:

• Explain VLANs, their purpose, and how to configure them
• Explain VLAN Trunking Protocol and how it distributes VLANs across a switching domain
• Create a VLAN Schema for a simulated company
• Configure VLANs for a simulated company
• Explain VLAN Trunking, 802.1q, and Inter-Switch Link (ISL)
• Explain and configure native, data, and voice VLANs
• Explain and configure Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP)
• Apply VLAN trunking concepts and configurations to a simulated network
• Practice troubleshooting various VLAN issues
• Explain methods of implementing Inter-VLAN Routing
• Configure Layer 3 Switching
• Apply Layer 3 Switching concepts and configurations to a simulated network
• Explain Spanning Tree Protocol and it’s components
• Calculate the Root Bridge (RB), Root Ports (RP), Designated Ports (DP), and Non Designated Ports (NDP) for a given network
• List STP versions and their differences
• Explain and configure Port Fast, BPDU Guard, BPDU Filter, Root Guard, and Loop Guard
• Configure STP settings for a simulated network
• Explain and configure Link Aggregation/EtherChannels
• Explain and configure LACP and PAgP
• Apply Link Aggregation configurations to a simulated network
• Explain and configure DHCPv4, SLAAC, and DHCPv6
• Explain RA Flags and their role in configuration
• Explain and configure a DHCP Relay and a DHCP Client Interface
• Apply DHCP and SLAAC configurations to a simulated network
• Explain and configure FHRP and HSRP
• Explain different types of attacks and ways to mitigate against those attacks
• Explain and configure mitigation techniques such as Port Security, DHCP Snooping, Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI), IP Source Guard (IPSG), and BPDU Guard (BPDU)
• Explain and configure Wireless Access Points (WAP) and a Wireless LAN Controllers (WLC) for a given network
• Configure WLAN settings such as WPA2 PSK, DHCP, SNMP, and RADIUS for a given network

Become efficient in planning and configuring local infrastructures

• Implement technologies such as VLANs, STP, DHCP, and WLANs
• Apply these concepts to an actual network you will be building throughout the course
• Learn troubleshooting skills to help you efficiently overcome problems

Learn it Right, Learn it Well, and Reap the Rewards

Spending the time now to fully understand how to set up LAN technologies will help you in the field and for studying more advanced topics.

Module Descriptions

Welcome and Getting Started: Prepare yourself for efficiently and successfully completing the course. You’ll get an overview of what the course is all about and what you should expect out of it.

VLANs: This module introduces the core concepts of Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs), including their purpose, benefits, and configuration. Students will learn how VLANs are used to segment networks for improved performance and security. The module also covers VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP), explaining how it simplifies VLAN management by distributing VLAN configurations across a switching domain. By the end of this module, students will have a solid understanding of VLANs and VTP, along with the skills to configure them in a network environment.

Project VLANs: In this module, students will apply their knowledge of VLANs to design and implement a VLAN schema for a simulated company. The module will guide students through the process of creating a structured VLAN schema tailored to the specific needs of the organization, ensuring optimal network segmentation and security. Once the schema is established, students will configure the VLANs on network devices, bringing the design to life in a simulated environment. This hands-on experience will reinforce best practices in VLAN planning, deployment, and management. By the end of this module, students will be proficient in both designing and configuring VLANs to meet organizational requirements.

VLAN Trunking: This module delves into advanced VLAN concepts, focusing on VLAN trunking and the protocols that facilitate inter-switch communication. Students will learn about VLAN Trunking, including the 802.1q and Inter-Switch Link (ISL) standards, which are essential for carrying multiple VLANs across network links. The module also covers the configuration of native, data, and voice VLANs, ensuring that students can effectively manage traffic types on a network. Additionally, students will explore and configure the Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP), which automates the creation of trunk links between switches. Through practical exercises, students will gain the skills needed to configure and manage these advanced VLAN features in a network environment.

Project VLAN Trunking and VLAN Troubleshooting: This module provides hands-on experience with VLAN trunking, allowing students to apply trunking concepts and configurations in a simulated network environment. Students will implement VLAN trunking across multiple switches, ensuring seamless communication between VLANs. The module also focuses on troubleshooting common VLAN issues, teaching students how to identify and resolve problems related to trunking, VLAN misconfigurations, and network connectivity. By the end of this module, students will be equipped with practical skills to deploy VLAN trunking effectively and troubleshoot any associated issues in a real-world network.

Inter-VLAN Routing: This module explores the methods used to implement Inter-VLAN Routing, a critical process for enabling communication between different VLANs in a network. Students will learn about various techniques, including the use of Layer 3 switches and routers to route traffic between VLANs. The module also provides detailed instruction on configuring Layer 3 Switching, allowing students to combine routing and switching functions within a single device for increased network efficiency. Through practical exercises, students will gain the expertise needed to configure and optimize Layer 3 Switching for effective Inter-VLAN Routing in complex network environments

Project Layer 3 Switch: In this module, students will put their knowledge of Layer 3 Switching into practice by applying these concepts and configurations within a simulated network environment. They will configure Layer 3 Switches to enable efficient Inter-VLAN Routing and optimize network performance. The module emphasizes real-world scenarios, providing students with the opportunity to design, implement, and troubleshoot Layer 3 Switching solutions. By the end of this module, students will be confident in deploying Layer 3 Switching configurations to enhance the functionality and scalability of a network.

STP: This module provides a comprehensive overview of the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), a vital protocol for preventing loops in network topologies. Students will learn about the key components of STP, including the Root Bridge (RB), Root Ports (RP), Designated Ports (DP), and Non-Designated Ports (NDP), and how to calculate these for a given network. The module also covers the different versions of STP, highlighting their unique features and use cases. Additionally, students will learn to configure advanced STP features such as Port Fast, BPDU Guard, BPDU Filter, Root Guard, and Loop Guard to enhance network stability and security. Through hands-on practice, students will configure STP settings in a simulated network, ensuring they are prepared to manage and optimize network performance in real-world environments.

Link Aggregation: This module focuses on Link Aggregation and EtherChannels, essential techniques for increasing bandwidth and redundancy in network links. Students will learn about the concepts behind Link Aggregation and how to configure EtherChannels to combine multiple physical links into a single logical link. The module also covers the Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) and the Port Aggregation Protocol (PAgP), explaining their roles in managing aggregated links. Through practical exercises, students will configure LACP and PAgP in a simulated network environment and apply Link Aggregation configurations to enhance network performance and reliability. By the end of this module, students will be adept at implementing and managing Link Aggregation in a variety of network scenarios.

DHCP & SLAAC: This module provides a thorough understanding of dynamic IP address assignment in both IPv4 and IPv6 networks. Students will learn how to configure DHCPv4, Stateless Address Autoconfiguration (SLAAC), and DHCPv6 to automate IP address distribution. The module also explores Router Advertisement (RA) Flags and their role in IPv6 configuration, enabling students to fine-tune network settings. Additionally, students will learn how to configure a DHCP Relay and a DHCP Client Interface to extend DHCP services across networks. Practical exercises will allow students to apply these configurations in a simulated network, ensuring they can effectively manage IP address assignment in diverse network environments.

HSRP: This module covers First Hop Redundancy Protocols (FHRP) with a focus on Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP), a key technology for ensuring network availability and reliability. Students will learn the principles behind FHRP, which provides high availability for the default gateway in a network. The module will delve into the configuration of HSRP, including setting up and managing virtual IP addresses and virtual MAC addresses to ensure seamless failover and redundancy. Through hands-on exercises, students will configure HSRP in a simulated network environment, gaining practical experience in implementing and troubleshooting FHRP to maintain network continuity and reliability.

Layer 2 Security: This module provides an in-depth exploration of common network attacks and the strategies to mitigate them. Students will learn about various types of attacks, including Denial of Service (DoS), Man-in-the-Middle (MitM), and others, along with methods to defend against these threats. The module also covers critical network security techniques and their configurations, including Port Security, DHCP Snooping, Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI), IP Source Guard (IPSG), and BPDU Guard (BPDU). Through practical exercises, students will configure these security features in a simulated network environment, gaining hands-on experience in protecting network infrastructure from potential vulnerabilities and ensuring robust security measures.

WLAN: This module covers the configuration and management of Wireless Access Points (WAPs) and Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs) to establish and maintain wireless networks. Students will learn to set up WAPs and WLCs to ensure optimal wireless coverage and performance. The module also includes detailed instructions on configuring Wireless LAN (WLAN) settings, including WPA2 PSK for security, DHCP for IP address assignment, SNMP for network management, and RADIUS for authentication. Through practical exercises, students will apply these configurations in a simulated network environment, developing the skills needed to effectively manage and secure wireless networks.

Wrap Up: Time to wrap up the course and provide any final thoughts.