Layer 2 (L2) Switching architectures with hands on lab

This is generally one day of Layer 2 (switching) that is part of a larger training program. To support this day of training the following topics may precede:

• Layers 1/2/3 Refresher
• Campus Network Design Principles

Target audience

Network systems administrators and engineers from ISP/REN/Universities or corporations, who are responsible for network maintenance and planning.

Pre-requisites

• Some command line experience.
• Basic knowledge of TCP/IP networking
• For most workshops participants are asked to bring a laptop

Potential L2 Topics

Morning Lectures

• In-Building Network Design
• Best practices in Campus Network Design
  • Switch versus Hub versus Router
  • Switching Architectures (star topologies - aggregation switch serves edge switch)
  • Virtual LANs (VLANs)
    • Examples of where we recommend VLANs
    • Technology and practical hints
      • Tagged and untagged
      • Trunking
• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
  • 802.d
  • 802.1w
  • 802.1s
• Selecting appropriate switches
• Fault Tolerance
  • Port bundling
  • Spanning tree (using loops to your advantage)
• Network Management
• Switching and security considerations
  • Rogue DHCP server prevention
  • Dynamic ARP inspection
  • 802.1x/network access control

Afternoon Lab

• Build layer 2 network consisting of aggregation switch and edge switches
• Configure spanning tree across fabric
  • What kind of spanning tree to configure?
  • How to make different types inter-operate
• Configure Rogue DHCP prevention
• Add 2nd aggregation switch to provide redundancy
• Growing your network
• VLANs

Layer 2 Labs

• In many cases a remote lab based at the University of Oregon is used to give students full access to HP switches and Cisco routers.
• In some workshops physical equipment may be shipped on-site and students will build network infrastructure in the classroom.