Switching Technology
This is a 2-credit Unit intended for candidates who require an understanding of Routed and Switched networks. It is designed to develop an understanding of the issues involved in installing, configuring and troubleshooting simple routed and switched LANs. On completion of the Unit you should be able to:
- Describe the principles of classless routing
- Describe common advanced routing protocols
- Configure advanced routing
- Describe basic switched LANs
- Configure a basic switched network
- Describe redundant and spanning tree
- Describe advanced switch concepts (VLAN/VTP)
- Implement an advanced switched network
In the first part of the course, you will study the principles of classless routing. This includes advanced IP address mechanisms such as VLSM and the operation of RIP v2.
The second section covers advanced routing protocols such as Single Area OSPF and EIGRP. This is intended to introduce routing protocols better suited to large scale IP networks.
The third section covers the implementation of advanced routing and IP address schemes in a practical environment. You will be given the opportunity of applying the knowledge obtained during the first two outcomes in a realistic setting.
The fourth section covers introduces the principles underlying the operation of switched LANs, basic LAN switching concepts and basic LAN switching design.
The fifth section covers the configuration of a basic switched network. This will allow you to design and implement a basic routed LAN incorporating a switch.
The sixth and seventh section covers the principles of advanced switched LANs. Redundancy and switched networks are covered, as are more complex topics such as Spanning Tree Protocol, VLAN concepts and VTP fundamentals.
The final section allows you to build a complex switched LAN. This involves building switched LANs incorporating VLANs, configuring Spanning Tree and implementing trunk links which will be connected to a router to permit routing in a complex switched LAN.
There will be a closed-book multiple-choice assessment covering all outcomes. You will be presented with 50 questions and expected to answer 70% of these correctly.
You will also be expected to keep a Logbook recording the practical tasks you have carried out during the Unit. You must satisfy the requirements for these assessments in order to achieve the Unit.
