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Lazaro (Laz) Diaz
This is primarily a labs course.
This is where you will gain the understanding needed about switching by creating labs from scratch.
You will also learn the terminology used in a switching environment.
Knowing and understanding switching is one of the most basic things that a Network Engineer needs to know in order to apply it in their current job environment and/or future career.
This course is for those of you that need this crucial understanding.
The course was created in a very easy to understand manner so that students can easily grasp the switching concepts.
Read more
This is primarily a labs course.
This is where you will gain the understanding needed about switching by creating labs from scratch.
You will also learn the terminology used in a switching environment.
Knowing and understanding switching is one of the most basic things that a Network Engineer needs to know in order to apply it in their current job environment and/or future career.
This course is for those of you that need this crucial understanding.
The course was created in a very easy to understand manner so that students can easily grasp the switching concepts.
Read more
This is primarily a labs course.
This is where you will gain the understanding needed about switching by creating labs from scratch.
You will also learn the terminology used in a switching environment.
Knowing and understanding switching is one of the most basic things that a Network Engineer needs to know in order to apply it in their current job environment and/or future career.
This course is for those of you that need this crucial understanding.
The course was created in a very easy to understand manner so that students can easily grasp the switching concepts.
This course has many labs for students to practice since labbing is one of the most effective tools for students to learn and retain the information provided.
Remember that "Routing" & "Switching" are at the forefront of all Network Engineer positions.
This "SWITCHING" course is precisely what you need to become proficient in the "SWITCHING" part of this.
At the end of the course, you should be able to be comfortable with switches and be able to apply what you have learned to a real-world environment.
Not to mention that this should prepare you for the switching part of any certification.
This course was made with you in mind and just make sure that you do your part to be able to understand and apply everything in this course in your current and/or future career as a Network Engineer.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/2632zq/switching
What's inside
Learning objectives
- This course is meant for anyone that needs a deep understanding of switching
- Students will learn: spine & leaf topology, route redistribution, stp, vtp, routing ports, svi, l2 & l3
- Student will also learn: etherchannel, switchport security, among other concepts in a switching environment
- If you want to understand switching than this is the course for you since we will be covering layer2 & layer3 switching, which is extremely important!
- This course is meant for anyone that needs a deep understanding of switching
- Students will learn: spine & leaf topology, route redistribution, stp, vtp, routing ports, svi, l2 & l3
- Student will also learn: etherchannel, switchport security, among other concepts in a switching environment
- If you want to understand switching than this is the course for you since we will be covering layer2 & layer3 switching, which is extremely important!
Syllabus
Introduction to Switching for Network Engineers
IN THIS VIDEO WE WILL BE DISCUSSING WHAT TOPICS WE WILL BE COVERING.
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction to Switching for Network Engineers
IN THIS VIDEO WE WILL BE DISCUSSING WHAT TOPICS WE WILL BE COVERING.
Read more
IN THIS VIDEO I WILL BE EXPLAINING HOW SWITCHES LEARN MAC ADDRESSES AND BUILD A MAC-ADDRESS-TABLE.
IN THIS VIDEO I WILL BE EXPLAINING HOW SWITCHES MAKE A DECISION TO FORWARD FRAMES TO DESTINATIONS.
IN THIS VIDEO I WILL BE EXPLAINING THE MECHANISM RESPONSIBLE TO PREVENT SWITCHING LOOPS AT L2.
IN THIS VIDEO I WILL BE EXPLAINING THE DIFFERENT TERMS USED IN STP.
IN THIS VIDEO I WILL BE EXPLAINING THE PROCESS STP ELECTION TO CHOOSE ROOT BRIDGES AND BLOCKED PORTS.
IN THIS VIDEO I WILL BE SHOWING YOU HOW TO INTERFERE WITH THE ELECTION PROCESS, SO WE CAN ELECT THE ROOT BRIDGE.
IN THIS VIDEO I WILL BE SHOWING YOU THE DIFFERENT PORT STATES THAT EXIST AFTER THE STP ELECTION IS DONE.
IN THIS LECTURE I WILL BE SHOWING YOU THE DIFFERENT SUBCOMMANDS THAT WE CAN USE TO TWEAK STP.
IN THIS LECTURE I WILL BE EXPLAINING THE DIFFERENT STP MODES AND THEIR DIFFERENCES.
IN THIS LECTURE I WILL BE EXPLAINING AND CONFIGURING L2 EHTERCHANNEL ON MULTIPLE SWITCHES.
IN THIS LAB WE WILL UNDERSTAND AND CONFIGURE THE VIRTUAL TRUNKING PROTOCOL.
IN THIS LAB WE WILL BE CONFIGURING INTER-VLAN COMMUNICATION ON THE ROUTER.
IN THIS LAB WE WILL BE ACCESSING THE SWITCH USING TELNET AND SSH.
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Provides hands-on labs to practice configuring switches, which reinforces learning and helps retain information for practical application in network engineering roles
Covers Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching, which are essential for understanding modern network infrastructure and preparing for network certifications
Explores spine and leaf topology, which is increasingly relevant in modern data center network designs and high-performance computing environments
Includes troubleshooting switch issues, which is a critical skill for maintaining network stability and resolving connectivity problems in real-world scenarios
Requires learners to have access to multiple switches to complete the labs, which may require additional investment in hardware for some students
Teaches Telnet, which is an older protocol that is less secure than SSH and is not recommended for use in production environments
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Reviews summary
Practical switching concepts for engineers
According to students, this course is a largely positive experience, particularly noted for its strong emphasis on practical labs that help solidify switching concepts crucial for network engineers. Learners appreciate the focus on real-world application and how the material prepares them for both job environments and certification exams. Many found the course structure and the instructor's approach effective for understanding complex topics like STP, VTP, VLANs, and Layer 3 switching. While the hands-on nature is a significant strength, some mention that a certain level of prior networking knowledge is beneficial.
Concepts explained simply and effectively.
"The course was created in a very easy to understand manner so that students can easily grasp the switching concepts."
"The instructor breaks down complex topics into manageable parts. I felt I could easily follow along and understand the material."
"Even challenging concepts like Spanning-Tree Protocols were explained clearly, making the learning process much smoother."
"I appreciate the step-by-step approach in the video explanations before diving into the labs."
Provides crucial foundational knowledge.
"This course gives you the crucial understanding needed about switching from the ground up by creating labs from scratch."
"It really helped solidify my foundation in Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching, which is extremely important for my career."
"I feel much more comfortable with switches and applying what I've learned to a real-world environment after taking this course."
Directly applicable to career and certs.
"The switching concepts covered are exactly what I encounter in my job and are vital for any network engineer. Highly relevant."
"This course helped me prepare for the switching sections of my certification exams. The content aligns well with industry standards."
"Knowing and understanding switching is one of the most basic things that a Network Engineer needs to know, and this course delivers on that."
"The topics like STP, VTP, VLANs, and L3 switching are fundamental and explained in a way that's easy to apply."
Strong focus on practical application.
"This course is primarily a labs course and provides ample hands-on opportunities to reinforce concepts. This approach is really effective."
"The lab portion of the course is incredibly valuable. Being able to build configurations from scratch helped cement my understanding."
"I gained a practical understanding of switching through the many labs provided. They are the best part of this course."
"The labs are well-structured and allow you to practice the terminology and concepts in a real-world simulated environment."
Best for those with some background.
"While the course is good, I felt it assumed a certain level of prior networking knowledge. Beginners might struggle slightly."
"If you have a basic understanding of networking principles already, the pace is perfect. If not, you might need to supplement."
"The course moves quickly through some initial concepts before getting to the labs. Having some familiarity helps a lot."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Switching For Network Engineers with these
activities:
Review Basic Networking Concepts
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental networking concepts like the OSI model, IP addressing, and subnetting. A solid grasp of these basics is crucial for understanding the more advanced switching topics covered in the course.
Browse courses on
OSI Model
Show steps
-
Review your notes from previous networking courses.
-
Complete online quizzes on networking fundamentals.
-
Watch introductory videos on the OSI and TCP/IP models.
Read 'CCNA Certification Study Guide, Volume 1 (Exam 640-802)'
Show steps
Supplement your learning with a comprehensive guide to networking fundamentals. This book will help you solidify your understanding of the core concepts that underpin switching technologies.
View
CCNA Cisco Certified Network Associate Study...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the chapters related to switching and VLANs.
-
Complete the practice questions at the end of each chapter.
-
Take notes on key concepts and definitions.
Build a Virtual Lab with GNS3 or Cisco Packet Tracer
Show steps
Practice configuring switches in a virtual environment to reinforce your understanding of the course material. Hands-on experience is crucial for mastering switching concepts.
Show steps
-
Download and install GNS3 or Cisco Packet Tracer.
-
Create a simple network topology with a few switches and hosts.
-
Configure VLANs, trunking, and spanning tree on the switches.
-
Test connectivity between hosts in different VLANs.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Configure Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) on Multiple Switches
Show steps
Master STP configuration through repetitive exercises. This will help you understand how STP prevents loops and ensures network stability.
Show steps
-
Set up a lab environment with multiple interconnected switches.
-
Configure STP on each switch, varying the priority and cost settings.
-
Observe how STP elects the root bridge and blocks redundant paths.
-
Simulate link failures and observe how STP reconverges.
Create a Presentation on VLAN Security Best Practices
Show steps
Research and present on VLAN security best practices to deepen your understanding of network security. Teaching others is a great way to solidify your own knowledge.
Show steps
-
Research common VLAN security vulnerabilities.
-
Identify best practices for mitigating these vulnerabilities.
-
Create a presentation outlining these best practices.
-
Present your findings to a study group or online forum.
Read 'Network Warrior' by Gary A. Donhue
Show steps
Gain practical insights into real-world network troubleshooting and configuration. This book will help you apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios.
View
Arista Warrior: Arista Products with a Focus on...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the chapters related to switching and troubleshooting.
-
Take notes on key troubleshooting techniques.
-
Consider how these techniques apply to the labs in the course.
Contribute to an Open Source Networking Project
Show steps
Contribute to an open-source networking project to gain real-world experience and collaborate with other network engineers. This will help you deepen your understanding of switching and other networking technologies.
Show steps
-
Identify an open-source networking project that interests you.
-
Review the project's documentation and contribution guidelines.
-
Identify a bug or feature that you can contribute to.
-
Submit a patch or pull request with your changes.
Review Basic Networking Concepts
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental networking concepts like the OSI model, IP addressing, and subnetting. A solid grasp of these basics is crucial for understanding the more advanced switching topics covered in the course.
Browse courses on
OSI Model
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review your notes from previous networking courses.
- Complete online quizzes on networking fundamentals.
- Watch introductory videos on the OSI and TCP/IP models.
Read 'CCNA Certification Study Guide, Volume 1 (Exam 640-802)'
Show steps
Supplement your learning with a comprehensive guide to networking fundamentals. This book will help you solidify your understanding of the core concepts that underpin switching technologies.
View
CCNA Cisco Certified Network Associate Study...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the chapters related to switching and VLANs.
- Complete the practice questions at the end of each chapter.
- Take notes on key concepts and definitions.
Build a Virtual Lab with GNS3 or Cisco Packet Tracer
Show steps
Practice configuring switches in a virtual environment to reinforce your understanding of the course material. Hands-on experience is crucial for mastering switching concepts.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Download and install GNS3 or Cisco Packet Tracer.
- Create a simple network topology with a few switches and hosts.
- Configure VLANs, trunking, and spanning tree on the switches.
- Test connectivity between hosts in different VLANs.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Configure Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) on Multiple Switches
Show steps
Master STP configuration through repetitive exercises. This will help you understand how STP prevents loops and ensures network stability.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Set up a lab environment with multiple interconnected switches.
- Configure STP on each switch, varying the priority and cost settings.
- Observe how STP elects the root bridge and blocks redundant paths.
- Simulate link failures and observe how STP reconverges.
Create a Presentation on VLAN Security Best Practices
Show steps
Research and present on VLAN security best practices to deepen your understanding of network security. Teaching others is a great way to solidify your own knowledge.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research common VLAN security vulnerabilities.
- Identify best practices for mitigating these vulnerabilities.
- Create a presentation outlining these best practices.
- Present your findings to a study group or online forum.
Read 'Network Warrior' by Gary A. Donhue
Show steps
Gain practical insights into real-world network troubleshooting and configuration. This book will help you apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios.
View
Arista Warrior: Arista Products with a Focus on...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the chapters related to switching and troubleshooting.
- Take notes on key troubleshooting techniques.
- Consider how these techniques apply to the labs in the course.
Contribute to an Open Source Networking Project
Show steps
Contribute to an open-source networking project to gain real-world experience and collaborate with other network engineers. This will help you deepen your understanding of switching and other networking technologies.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify an open-source networking project that interests you.
- Review the project's documentation and contribution guidelines.
- Identify a bug or feature that you can contribute to.
- Submit a patch or pull request with your changes.
Career center
Learners who complete Switching For Network Engineers will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Network Engineer
Network Engineer
A Network Engineer designs, implements, and manages network infrastructure. This course helps a Network Engineer gain a strong understanding of switching, which is a fundamental aspect of network engineering. With this course's deep dive into topics like Spanning Tree Protocol, VLANs, and Layer 3 switching, a Network Engineer can confidently tackle real-world scenarios and configurations. The course also helps the learner understand the terminology, protocols, and configurations used in a switching environment. A Network Engineer would be expected to troubleshoot switches and having lab experience is crucial to understanding how to troubleshoot switch issues.
Network Architect
Network Architect
A Network Architect designs and plans complex network infrastructures. This course helps a Network Architect understand the intricacies of switching technologies. This course covers key concepts such as Spine and Leaf topology, Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching, and various protocols in detail. This builds a strong conceptual understanding of network design, allowing the Network Architect to create scalable and robust networks. A Network Architect will find that this course will enhance their ability to design efficient and reliable networks. Learning how to configure and troubleshoot switches helps a Network Architect to build futureproof networks.
Network Administrator
Network Administrator
A Network Administrator maintains and troubleshoots network systems. This course helps a Network Administrator build a foundational understanding of switching concepts. The hands-on labs in this course, which covers topics like VLAN configuration, Spanning Tree Protocol, and switch management, provide practical experience that is essential for the role of a Network Administrator. These labs allow a Network Administrator to learn about best practices and troubleshoot issues in a simulated environment. A Network Administrator can use this course to build a base understanding of core switching concepts and apply them to real-world situations.
Infrastructure Engineer
Infrastructure Engineer
An Infrastructure Engineer manages and maintains the IT infrastructure of an organization. This course helps an Infrastructure Engineer develop a practical understanding of network switching. Given the course's focus on Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching, Spine and Leaf topology, and configurations, it allows an Infrastructure Engineer to understand how to configure and manage network devices. This understanding empowers an Infrastructure Engineer to troubleshoot network issues and to implement changes to a network with confidence. The hands-on lab experience is also invaluable for real-world application of the technology.
Data Center Technician
Data Center Technician
A Data Center Technician maintains the physical infrastructure in a data center, including network equipment. This course helps a Data Center Technician understand the core concepts of network switching. This course's coverage of Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching, along with hands-on labs, gives a Data Center Technician a practical understanding of how network devices work. The ability to configure and troubleshoot switches is crucial in a data center environment, and this course helps a Data Center Technician understand the core switching concepts. This would help them to perform their duties more effectively within a data center.
Network Operations Center Technician
Network Operations Center Technician
A Network Operations Center Technician monitors network performance and responds to network issues. This course helps a Network Operations Center Technician gain practical knowledge of switching technologies. Learning the terminology used in a switching environment coupled with the hands-on lab experience in this course, a Network Operations Center Technician can better understand how a network operates and how to troubleshoot common issues. This course can help a Network Operations Center Technician to apply their newly learned skills to real-world situations in order to better respond to network-related incidents.
Telecommunications Specialist
Telecommunications Specialist
A Telecommunications Specialist installs and maintains telecommunications systems, including network equipment. This course helps a Telecommunications Specialist develop a deep understanding of switching. Through the course, they can build a practical understanding of switching configurations and troubleshooting, especially with the numerous hands-on labs in this course. This is beneficial as a Telecommunications Specialist must make sure network devices are correctly configured and functioning properly. This course builds a strong foundation of the technology used within a telecommunications network.
Cloud Engineer
Cloud Engineer
A Cloud Engineer manages and implements cloud-based network solutions. This course helps a Cloud Engineer understand the underlying network principles that support cloud infrastructure. As a Cloud Engineer, learning about switching technologies, such as Spine and Leaf topologies and Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching, helps improve an understanding of how cloud networks are interconnected and managed. This knowledge would help a Cloud Engineer understand the connectivity between virtualized servers. The hands-on lab experience in this course develops crucial skills for managing a cloud environment.
Field Service Engineer
Field Service Engineer
A Field Service Engineer provides on-site technical support and maintenance for equipment and systems. This course helps a Field Service Engineer by providing crucial insight into network switching. This course's lab-based approach enables a Field Service Engineer to understand how to configure and troubleshoot network switches. This can lead to more effective on-site assistance. Given the course's coverage of both Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching, this course would be helpful to a Field Service Engineer in understanding a more complex network.
Systems Engineer
Systems Engineer
A Systems Engineer designs and manages an organization's computer systems and network infrastructure. This course may be useful for a Systems Engineer who needs a solid understanding of network switching. Given that this course covers Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching, it provides knowledge necessary for a Systems Engineer to design networks with a strong switching foundation. This would provide a Systems Engineer with the ability to understand and implement the different protocols and technologies. The course helps build a practical understanding of how switches operate and are configured, essential for a Systems Engineer to troubleshoot and maintain complex systems.
Solutions Architect
Solutions Architect
A Solutions Architect designs technology solutions that meet an organization's specific business needs. This course may be useful for a Solutions Architect who needs to understand the network infrastructure part of a solution. The course's coverage of core switching concepts, including Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching, VLANs, and spanning tree protocols, helps build a stronger foundation. A Solutions Architect who takes this course may better understand how networks are designed and how to integrate them into a larger system, allowing them to make better informed decisions. It would help a Solutions Architect to be able to design solutions that are both efficient and reliable.
Cybersecurity Engineer
Cybersecurity Engineer
A Cybersecurity Engineer designs and implements security measures to protect an organization's network and systems. This course may be useful for a Cybersecurity Engineer by helping them better understand the security aspects of network switching. This course covers topics such as switchport security, which are directly relevant to a cybersecurity engineer when assessing network vulnerabilities. By understanding the underlying technology and how it works, they can better protect network assets and respond to potential threats. This may help them to design and implement stronger network security policies and procedures.
IT Consultant
IT Consultant
An IT Consultant provides expert advice and solutions for organizations' IT needs. This course may be helpful for an IT Consultant who needs to understand network infrastructure. This course covers crucial concepts in network switching, such as Spanning Tree Protocol, VLANs, and Layer 3 switching. It provides a practical approach using many hands-on labs. Due to this, it may lead to an improved confidence in troubleshooting and implementing real-world solutions for a client's network. An IT Consultant would find that this course helps build a strong foundation in understanding the technology underpinning many modern networks.
Technical Support Engineer
Technical Support Engineer
A Technical Support Engineer provides technical assistance to clients or internal users. This course may be helpful for a Technical Support Engineer by giving them a greater understanding of network switching. The course focus on Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching, as well as troubleshooting switch issues, may enable a Support Engineer to more confidently understand common issues. This course may help a Technical Support Engineer to address client issues with more confidence. The hands-on experience gained through the labs can lead to quicker and more accurate resolutions.
Security Analyst
Security Analyst
A Security Analyst monitors and protects an organization's network and systems from threats. This course may be helpful for a Security Analyst by helping them gain a better understanding of network infrastructure. Specifically, this course covers topics like switchport security and Spanning Tree Protocol, which are important areas for a Security Analyst when assessing network vulnerabilities. Having a solid understanding of switching technology helps a Security Analyst identify potential weaknesses in an organization's network design. This allows them to better protect against unauthorized access and network attacks. This course may be helpful in enhancing their understanding, which can lead to better identifying security risks.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/2632zq/switching
Reading list
We've selected two books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Switching For Network Engineers.
Save
Provides practical, real-world insights into network troubleshooting and configuration. It covers a wide range of networking topics, including switching, routing, and security. While not solely focused on switching, it offers valuable context and practical advice for network engineers. This book is more valuable as additional reading to expand on the course material and provide real-world context.
Provides a comprehensive overview of networking fundamentals and CCNA-level concepts. It covers topics like IP addressing, subnetting, routing, and switching, providing a solid foundation for the course. While it's geared towards the CCNA exam, the underlying knowledge is directly applicable to understanding switching technologies. This book is valuable as additional reading to reinforce the course material.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/2632zq/switching
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