Unit 781: Routing and Switching Fundamentals

1. Introduction to Routing and Switching

• Overview of Routing and Switching
• Roles of Routers and Switches in Network Communication
• Differences Between Routing and Switching
• Packet Forwarding Concepts
• Types of Network Devices: Routers, Switches, Hubs, Access Points

2. Network Models

2.1 OSI Model

• Seven Layers Overview
• Functions of Each Layer Relevant to Routing and Switching

2.2 TCP/IP Model

• Four Layers and Their Roles
• Comparison Between OSI and TCP/IP Models

3. IP Addressing and Subnetting

• IPv4 and IPv6 Addressing Schemes
• IP Address Classes and Structure
• Subnet Masks and Subnetting Techniques
• Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR)
• Designing and Implementing Subnets

4. Routing Protocols

4.1 Static Routing

• Definition and Use Cases
• Configuration Basics

4.2 Dynamic Routing Protocols

• Routing Information Protocol (RIP)
• Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)
• Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP)
• Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) (Overview)
• Routing Algorithms and Metrics
• Comparison of Protocols

5. Routing Table and ARP

• Structure and Function of Routing Tables
• How Routing Tables Determine Best Path
• Address Resolution Protocol (ARP): Purpose and Operation

6. Switching Technologies

6.1 Ethernet Switching

• Layer 2 Switching Basics
• MAC Address Table

6.2 Switching Techniques

• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
  • Purpose and Operation
  • Preventing Network Loops
• EtherChannel
• Layer 3 Switching Overview

6.3 VLANs and Trunking

• Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs)
• VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP)
• IEEE 802.1Q Trunking
• Benefits of VLAN Segmentation

7. Inter-VLAN Routing

• Concept and Importance
• Methods of Inter-VLAN Routing
  • Router-on-a-Stick
  • Layer 3 Switches
• Configuration of Routing Interfaces

8. Network Address Translation (NAT)

• Purpose of NAT
• Types of NAT (Static, Dynamic, PAT)
• NAT Configuration and Use Cases

9. Quality of Service (QoS) in Routing and Switching

• Importance of QoS
• QoS Mechanisms and Policies
• Traffic Prioritization and Bandwidth Management
• Queuing Techniques and Traffic Shaping

10. Network Security and Access Control

• Access Control Lists (ACLs)
• Firewall Basics in Routing and Switching Context
• Port Security
• Virtual Private Network (VPN) Fundamentals
• Common Security Threats and Mitigation

11. Router and Switch Configuration

11.1 Router Configuration

• Setting IP Addresses
• Configuring Routing Protocols
• Applying ACLs

11.2 Switch Configuration

• Setting up VLANs
• Trunking Configuration
• Port Security Measures

12. Troubleshooting Routing and Switching Issues

• Common Problems in Routing and Switching
• Diagnostic Tools and Techniques
• Analyzing Logs and Network Traffic
• Best Practices for Problem Solving

13. Scalability and Redundancy

• Strategies for Network Scalability
• Redundancy Protocols and Techniques
• Enhancing Network Reliability and Fault Tolerance