CCNP Self-Study:

CCNP Self-Study:
Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN)

Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN), 2nd Edition, is a self-study learning resource for CCNP and CCDP certification candidates preparing for the BCMSN 642-811 exam. This self-study resource includes sample questions and answers and lab excercises in each chapter. Including coverage of intermediate to advance networking switching technologies, this book helps CCNP candidates, as well as networking professionals, gain an understanding of switching fundamentals and best practices. Switching topics found in this book include Layer 2 and 3 switching, AVVID deployments in multilayer switching networks, QoS, CEF-based MLS, Catalyst switching architectures, and an introduction to Metro Ethernet. This is the only book authorized by Cisco Systems for early-stage, self-study learning of the BCMSN topics.

The CCNP certification indicates advanced or journeyman knowledge of networks. One of the four requirements to achieve CCNP certification is passing the BCMSN exam. Focused on intermediate-level switching issues, the BCMSN exam assesses a candidate's skill at building campus networks using multilayer switching technologies over high speed Ethernet. The exam addresses both routing and switching concepts, covering both Layer 2 and Layer 3 technologies including IP multicast. The BCMSN exam is also a requirement for CCDP certification.

Introduction to Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks.

Hardware-Switching and Software-Switching Terminology. Multilayer Switching Overview. Enterprise Composite Network Model for Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks. Introducing the Cisco Catalyst Switches. Summary. Review Questions.

2. The Roles of Switches in Designing Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks.

Data-Link Technologies. Designing Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks Using the Cisco Catalyst Switches and Data-Link Technologies. Using the Cisco Catalyst Switches and Data-Link Technologies. Case Study: Designing a Cisco Multilayer Switched Network. Summary. Review Questions.

3. Initial Configuration and Troubleshooting of Cisco Multilayer Switches.

Comparing Cisco CatOS and Cisco IOS (Native Mode). Initial Configuration of Management Parameters of Cisco Catalyst Switches. Managing Catalyst Switch Configurations. Understanding the Cisco IOS File System and Software Images on Catalyst Switches. Upgrading Software Versions on Catalyst Switches. Overview of Converting Cisco CatOS to Cisco Native IOS. Basic Troubleshooting Practices. Initial Configuration Troubleshooting Tips. Summary. Configuration Exercise: Configuring a Cisco IOS-Based Catalyst Switch. Review Questions.

4. Implementing and Configuring VLANs.

VLANs. Troubleshooting VLANs. Private VLANs. VLAN Trunking. Configuring ISL and 802.1Q Trunking. VLAN Trunking Protocol. Summary. Configuration Exercise: Configuring VLAN, Trunking, and VTP in Multilayer Switched Networks. Review Questions.

5. Understanding and Configuring the 802.1D, 802.1s, and 802.1w Spanning-Tree Protocols.

Overview of the Spanning Tree Protocol. Bridging Loop. STP (IEEE 802.1D). STP Operation. Sample Scenario of STP Election Process. STP Topology Changes. Per VLAN Spanning Tree Plus. STP and IEEE 802.1Q Trunks. Configuring the Basic Parameters of PVST+. Verifying the STP Configuration. Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol. Multiple Spanning Tree. Configuring Basic Parameters of MST. Summary. Configuration Exercise: Configuring and Verifying Spanning-Tree Bridge Priorities and Spanning-Tree Port Cost. Configuration Exercise: Configuring and Verifying Spanning-Tree Bridge Priorities. Review Questions.

6. Understanding and Configuring Cisco-Specific Spanning Tree Protocol Features and Troubleshooting STP.

Enhancements to 802.1D Spanning Tree Protocol. Improving Spanning-Tree Resiliency. Preventing Forwarding Loops and Black Holes. Troubleshooting STP. Summary. Configuration Exercise: Configuring BackboneFast, UplinkFast, and Root Guard. Review Questions.

7. Configuring Layer 2 and Layer 3 Features.

EtherChannel. CDP. Port Security. Multiple Default Gateways. MAC Address Notification. Layer 3 Protocol Filtering. DHCP for Management IP Configuration. Debounce Timer Feature. Broadcast and Multicast Suppression. DHCP Snooping. Baby Giants and Jumbo Frame. UDLD and Aggressive Mode UDLD. Case Study: Function of Aggressive Mode UDLD. Summary. Configuration Exercise. Review Questions.

8. Understanding and Configuring Inter-VLAN Routing.

Introduction to Inter-VLAN Routing. IP Broadcast Forwarding. Summary. Configuration Exercise: Configuring Inter-VLAN Routing on Cisco IOS-Based Catalyst Switches. Review Questions.

9. Understanding and Configuring Multilayer Switching.

Understanding Traditional MLS. Understanding CEF-Based MLS. CEF-Based MLS Configuration, Verification, and Troubleshooting. Summary. Configuration Exercise: Troubleshooting CEF-Based MLS. Review Questions.

10. Understanding and Implementing Quality of Service in Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks.
The Need for QoS. QoS Service Models. Catalyst QoS Fundamentals. WAN QoS. QoS in the Multilayer Switched Network. Summary. Configuration Exercise: Configuring QoS on Cisco IOS-Based Catalyst Switches. Review Questions.

11. Deploying Multicast in the Multilayer Switched Network.

Introduction to Multicast. IP Multicast Protocol. Multicast Hardware-Based Switching Methods. Layer 2 Multicast Protocols. IP Multicast in the Multilayer Switched Network. Configuring Multicast. Monitoring and Verifying IP Multicast Traffic. Summary. Configuration Exercise: Configuring and Verifying Multicast in the Multilayer Switched Network. Review Questions.

12. Implementing High Availability Options in Multilayer Switches.

Achieving High Availability in Multilayer Switches. Implementing Redundant Supervisor Engines in Catalyst Switches. Router Redundancy Using Single Router Mode on the Catalyst 6500 Series of Switches. Implementing Redundant Supervisor Uplink Modules in Catalyst Switches. Implementing Redundant Power Supplies. Implementing Default Gateway Router Redundancy in Multilayer Switched Networks. Cisco IOS Server Load Balancing. Summary. Configuration Exercise: Configuring and Verifying RPR+ and HSRP. Review Questions.

13. Introduction to Deploying Cisco IP Telephony.

Network Design Recommendations for IP Telephony. Best Practices for Deploying IP Telephony in the Enterprise Composite Network Model. Summary. Configuration Exercise: Configuring Voice VLANs on a Catalyst Switch. Review Questions.

14. Implementing Management and Data Plane Security Features on Cisco Catalyst Switches.

Catalyst Switch Configurations for Security in Multilayer Switched Networks. Configuring AAA. Network Access Security Using IEEE 802.1X. Applying Security Using Access Control Lists. Understanding the Role of Private VLANs as a Security Feature. Understanding the Role of QoS as a Security Feature. Summary. Configuration Exercise: AAA, 802.1X, and VACLs. Review Questions.

15. Introduction to the Catalyst Switching Architectures.

Catalyst 6500. Catalyst 4500. Catalyst 3750. Catalyst 3550. Catalyst 2950. Summary. Review Questions.

16. Introduction to Storage Networking.

Storage Networking Overview. Storage Networking Protocols. Campus Network Integration. Cisco Storage Solutions. Summary. Review Questions.

17. Designing, Building, and Connecting Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks Using Metro Solutions.

Introduction to Cisco Metro Solutions. Metro Ethernet. Examining Metro Ethernet Tunneling. EoMPLS Implementation. Summary. Review Questions.

18. Performance and Connectivity Troubleshooting Tools for Multilayer Switches.

Techniques to Enhance Performance. Monitoring Performance with SPAN and VSPAN. Monitoring Performance with RSPAN. Monitoring Performance Using VACLs with the Capture Option. Troubleshooting Using L2 Traceroute. Performance Monitoring Using the Network Analysis Module in the Catalyst 6500 Family of Switches.