Title: Chapter 2: Basic Switching Concepts and Configuration
Course: RITA MC - CISCO II > Section: Course Outline and Objectives

Overview, Objectives and Outline

Switches are used to connect multiple devices together on the same network. In a properly designed network, LAN switches are responsible for directing and controlling the data flow at the access layer to networked resources.

Cisco switches are self-configuring and no additional configurations are necessary for them to function out of the box. However, Cisco switches run Cisco IOS, and can be manually configured to better meet the needs of the network. This includes adjusting port speed, bandwidth, and security requirements.

Additionally, Cisco switches can be managed both locally and remotely. To remotely manage a switch it needs to have an IP address and default gateway configured. These are just two of the configurations discussed in this chapter.

Switches operate at the access layer where client network devices connect directly to the network and IT departments want uncomplicated network access for the users. It is one of the most vulnerable areas of the network because it is so exposed to the user. Switches need to be configured to be resilient to attacks of all types while they are protecting user data and allowing for high speed connections. Port security is one of the security features Cisco managed switches provide.

This chapter examines some of the basic switch configuration settings required to maintain a secure, available, switched LAN environment.

Learning Objectives for Chapter 2

- Explain the advantages and disadvantages of static routing.
- Configure initial settings on a Cisco switch.
- Configure switch ports to meet network requirements.
- Configure the management switch virtual interface.
- Describe basic security attacks in a switched environment.
- Describe security best practices in a switched environment.
- Configure the port security feature to restrict network access.

Perform the following tasks in order to complete this chapter:

- Launch the Chapter 2 learning module
- Complete the Learning Module Activities
- Complete the Chapter 2 Quiz
- Complete the Chapter 2 Exam
- Chapter 2 Practice Skills Assessment - PT

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