Section 1 Flashcards
(34 cards)
What should a network designer consider for scalability?
The network should be able to grow with the organisation without major redesign.
What is redundancy in network design?
Implement backup paths and devices to ensure high availability.
What factors contribute to network performance?
Design for low latency, high throughput, and efficient traffic flow.
What security considerations should be included in network design?
Consider firewalls, access control, segmentation, and encryption.
What does manageability refer to in network design?
Use standardised configurations, monitoring tools, and documentation.
What should be considered regarding budget and ROI in network design?
Ensure the solution is cost-effective over the network’s lifespan.
What compliance aspects must be followed in network design?
Follow industry standards and legal regulations.
What does cloud and IoT readiness mean in network design?
Accommodate cloud-based services and a growing number of connected devices.
What criteria should be used when deciding on a switch make/model?
- Port density and speed
- Layer 2/3 capability
- PoE support
- Stackability
- Vendor support
- Cost vs. performance
- Security features
- Manageability
What is DTP (Dynamic Trunking Protocol)?
A Cisco proprietary protocol used to automatically negotiate trunk links between switches.
Why must care be taken with the use of DTP?
- It can automatically form trunks, allowing unauthorised VLAN traffic
- Misconfiguration can lead to unexpected trunk formation
- Best practice is to disable DTP on access ports using switchport nonegotiate
What is an SVI (Switched Virtual Interface)?
A logical interface configured on a switch to provide Layer 3 routing capabilities between VLANs.
How does an SVI enable routing?
By assigning each VLAN an SVI with an IP address, allowing inter-VLAN routing.
What are common reasons for loops in switched networks?
- Redundant links without loop prevention mechanisms
- Incorrect switch configurations
- Failure or delay of Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
- Physical cable mishandling
How can a network administrator configure a switch to be the root bridge?
Use the spanning-tree vlan <id> priority <value> command to set a lower bridge priority.</value></id>
Why is it beneficial to designate a specific switch as the root bridge?
- Allows control over the network topology
- Optimises path selection
- Prevents unintended switches from becoming the root
What is Link Aggregation?
Combines multiple physical links into a single logical link.
How does Link Aggregation add redundancy and scalability?
- Increases bandwidth
- Provides redundancy
- Balances traffic across links
What is the relationship between PAgP and LACP?
- PAgP is Cisco proprietary
- LACP is standards-based (IEEE 802.3ad)
How does VTP (VLAN Trunking Protocol) help manage VLAN configurations?
- Propagates VLAN configurations across switches
- Ensures consistency of VLANs
- Saves time and reduces errors
What does it indicate if a switch’s ‘show vtp status’ output says the mode is ‘Transparent’?
- Does not participate in VTP advertisement
- Forwards VTP messages it receives
- Stores VLANs locally but doesn’t share them
Why did DTP not form a trunk with both ends set to ‘dynamic auto’?
Neither initiates trunk negotiation.
What setting should be used to form a trunk?
Set one side to ‘dynamic desirable’ or statically configure trunking.
What problems can disrupt inter-VLAN routing?
- Missing or incorrect SVI configurations
- VLANs not allowed on trunk links
- Incorrect default gateways on hosts
- ACLs blocking traffic between VLANs
