Switching
7 labs in this topic area, in recommended learning order.
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VLAN Segmentation and Access Port Configuration
Create multiple Virtual LANs (VLANs) on a Cisco Catalyst switch, assign static access ports, and demonstrate Layer 2 broadcast domain isolation between departmental subnets.
- Switching
- VLANs
- Access Ports
- Broadcast Domains
- Cisco IOS
- Level
- Beginner
- Time
- 35 min
- Simulator
- Tested in Packet Tracer
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VLAN Trunk Allowed-List Troubleshooting
Diagnose and resolve multi-VLAN trunking failures across an enterprise dual-switch infrastructure. Investigate trunk allowed list omissions, identify and align native VLAN mismatches, and verify end-to-end Layer 2 trunk transport without impacting existing operational VLANs or unrelated access ports.
- Switching
- VLAN
- 802.1Q
- Trunking
- Allowed List
- Level
- Intermediate
- Time
- 50 min
- Simulator
- Tested in Packet Tracer
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Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol, PortFast, and BPDU Guard
Configure IEEE 802.1w Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (Rapid PVST+), tune bridge priorities for deterministic root bridge election, and secure edge access switchports with PortFast and BPDU Guard.
- STP
- Rstp
- Rapid Pvst
- PortFast
- BPDU Guard
- Level
- Intermediate
- Time
- 45 min
- Simulator
- Tested in Packet Tracer
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Spanning Tree Root and Blocked-Port Investigation
Investigate and resolve unexpected Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) root bridge elections and suboptimal blocked-port placement in a redundant multi-switch campus network. Diagnose root path costs, bridge IDs, and port states using Cisco IOS commands, deterministically configure primary and secondary root bridges, and ensure high-capacity distribution links remain unblocked while access uplinks safely absorb loop-prevention blocking.
- Switching
- STP
- Spanning Tree
- Root Bridge
- Blocked Port
- Level
- Intermediate
- Time
- 55 min
- Simulator
- Tested in Packet Tracer
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Configuring Layer 2 EtherChannel with LACP
Bundle multiple physical Ethernet links into a single logical channel using standard Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) to increase bandwidth and provide link redundancy.
- Switching
- EtherChannel
- LACP
- Spanning Tree
- Cisco IOS
- Level
- Intermediate
- Time
- 40 min
- Simulator
- Tested in Packet Tracer
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LACP EtherChannel Member Mismatch Diagnosis
Diagnose and resolve link aggregation member configuration mismatches in an IEEE 802.3ad LACP EtherChannel bundle between Catalyst switches. Investigate port mode and trunk inconsistencies that cause member interfaces to be suspended, remediate bundle parameters to achieve full bundling, and verify high-availability multi-VLAN trunking.
- Switching
- EtherChannel
- LACP
- 802.3ad
- Trunking
- Level
- Intermediate
- Time
- 45 min
- Simulator
- Tested in Packet Tracer
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Campus Distribution and Access VLAN Design
Implement and troubleshoot an enterprise campus network utilizing a Cisco Catalyst 3560 multilayer distribution switch and dual Catalyst 2960 access switches. Configure Switch Virtual Interfaces (SVIs), activate hardware CEF routing, enforce 802.1Q trunking with custom Native VLAN 99, diagnose trunk pruning omissions and disabled IP routing, and verify end-to-end inter-VLAN data plane delivery.
- Switching
- Multilayer Switching
- VLANs
- 802.1Q
- SVI
- Level
- Advanced
- Time
- 75 min
- Simulator
- Tested in Packet Tracer