Lectures on LAN Switching - Part 11

VLAN Trunk Protocol (VTP)

Before we go any further, let's discuss a feature that will help us manage VLANs in an ever expanding LAN network - VLAN Trunk Protocol, or simply, VTP.

This is one of my favorite interview questions before when I'm still conducting applicant interviews. Most will answer that it has something to do with Trunk configuration and management, rather than with VLANs. But that's just until they get smarter. =P

Moving forward, just imagine configuring and managing a new network with around 100 Catalyst Switches. To complicate the configuration a bit, every Switch needs to be configured with 100 VLANs. Imagine doing that repetitively on all 100 Switches. Hard right? =)

Lectures on LAN Switching - Part 10

Other Port Types: L3 port and SVI

We've already discussed Access and Trunk ports since they're the commonly used port types for Switches' physical interfaces (or ports). As our next topic, we're going to discuss a bit about Layer-3 (L3) ports, as well as Switch Virtual Interfaces (SVI) or more commonly known as VLAN Interfaces. These port types are generally available on Switches with routing or Layer-3 capabilities, such as:

• Catalyst 3550
• Catalyst 3560
• Catalyst 3750
• and most Modular Catalyst Switches

IT-Related Inventions from Time's 50 Best Inventions of 2008

This morning, I'm reading Time's article on what they consider as 50 Best Inventions of 2008. There's around seven inventions, I think, that can be considered IT-related (especially in the field of communications).

And now, here's the list:

9. The Orbital Internet

In space, no one can hear you scream. But you will be able to send e-mail, thanks to a new protocol being developed for use there. It's hard to maintain a stable connection in orbit, so the interplanetary Internet will have to be especially tolerant of delays and disruptions. In September, a satellite used the new protocol to relay an image of the Cape of Good Hope back to Earth.

Cisco Books for CCDA and CCDP Certifications

Right now, I've been reading, or maybe just browsing, these books for my CCDA certification goal:

CCDA Official Exam Certification Guide, Third Edition

By Anthony Bruno; Steve Jordan

Book Chapters

• Chapter 1. Network Fundamentals Review
• Chapter 2. Applying a Methodology to Network Design
• Chapter 3. Structuring and Modularizing the Network
• Chapter 4. Designing Basic Campus and Data Center Networks
• Chapter 5. Designing Remote Connectivity
• Chapter 6. Designing IP Addressing in the Network
• Chapter 7. Selecting Routing Protocols for the Network
• Chapter 8. Voice Network Design Considerations
• Chapter 9. Wireless Network Design Considerations
• Chapter 10. Evaluating Security Solutions for the Network
• Appendix A. Answers to Review Questions and Case Studies
• Appendix B. IPv4 Supplement
• Appendix C. Open System Interconnection (OSI) Reference Model
• Appendix D. Network Address Translation