Free CCNA | Analyzing Ethernet Switching | Day 6 Lab | CCNA 200-301 Complete Course

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through analyzing Ethernet switching as part of the CCNA 200-301 course. In this lab, you'll explore the functionality and configuration of Ethernet LAN switching in a small network environment. Understanding this topic is crucial for anyone preparing for the CCNA exam, as it forms the foundation of network communications.

Step 1: Set Up Your Environment

• Download Packet Tracer: If you haven't already, download Cisco Packet Tracer from the NetAcad website.
• Create a New Project: Open Packet Tracer and start a new project to begin your Ethernet switching lab.
• Add Devices:
  • Drag and drop the following devices onto the workspace:
    • Switch (e.g., 2960)
    • End devices (PCs or laptops)
  • Connect the devices using appropriate cables (typically copper straight-through cables for PC to switch connections).

Step 2: Configure Basic Switch Settings

• Access the Switch CLI: Click on the switch, then navigate to the CLI tab.
• Enter Configuration Mode: Type the following commands:

  enable
  configure terminal
  

• Set Hostname: Assign a name to your switch for easier identification:

  hostname Switch1
  

• Save Configuration: Don’t forget to save your changes:

  end
  write memory
  

Step 3: Configure VLANs

• Create VLANs: Define VLANs to segment traffic:

  vlan 10
  name Sales
  vlan 20
  name Marketing
  

• Assign Ports to VLANs: Configure which ports belong to each VLAN:

  interface range fa0/1 - 10
  switchport mode access
  switchport access vlan 10
  exit
  
  interface range fa0/11 - 20
  switchport mode access
  switchport access vlan 20
  exit
  

Step 4: Verify VLAN Configuration

• Check VLANs: Use the following command to display VLANs and their assigned ports:

  show vlan brief
  

• Test Connectivity: Use the ping command from a PC in one VLAN to verify it cannot reach a PC in another VLAN (unless routing is configured).

Step 5: Enable Trunking (Optional)

• Configure Trunk Ports: If you have multiple switches, configure trunking on the ports connecting them:

  interface fa0/24
  switchport mode trunk
  

• Verify Trunking: Check trunk status with:

  show interfaces trunk
  

Conclusion

In this lab, you have set up a basic Ethernet switching environment, configured VLANs, and verified their functionality. Understanding VLANs and switching is essential for network segmentation and management. As a next step, consider exploring inter-VLAN routing to allow communication between different VLANs, or dive deeper into switch security features.