2.0 CCNA - Network Access

2.4 Configure and verify (Layer 2/Layer 3) EtherChannel (LACP)

EtherChannel is a technology that allows you to bundle multiple physical Ethernet links into a single logical link, providing increased bandwidth and redundancy. There are two types of EtherChannel protocols: Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) and PAgP (Port Aggregation Protocol). Here's how to configure and verify LACP EtherChannel:

1. Configure LACP EtherChannel:

Enter interface configuration mode for the desired ports using the "interface [port]" command.
Configure the port as a trunk using the "switchport mode trunk" command.
Enable LACP EtherChannel using the "channel-group [group-number] mode active" command.
Verify the EtherChannel configuration using the "show interfaces [port-channel-number] channel" command.

2. Verify LACP EtherChannel:

Use the "show interfaces [port-channel-number] status" command to display information about the EtherChannel, including the current state of the bundle, the number of active links, and the speed and duplex settings.
Use the "show interfaces [port-channel-number] etherchannel" command to display information about the LACP configuration, including the LACP status, the number of active and passive links, and the current LACP rate.

Note: To use LACP EtherChannel, both ends of the link must be configured with LACP and the switch must support LACP. Additionally, the same EtherChannel configuration must be applied to both switches, including the channel group number, the allowed VLANs, and the mode (active or passive).

2.5 Describe the need for and basic operations of Rapid PVST+ Spanning Tree Protocol and identify basic operations

Root port,
root bridge (primary/secondary), and other port names
Port states (forwarding/blocking)
PortFast benefits

Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is a network protocol that ensures a loop-free topology in a network by preventing the formation of loops. Rapid PVST+ is a variant of STP that provides faster convergence and improved performance in large networks with multiple VLANs.

1. Basic operations:

Root port: The root port is the port on a non-root switch that provides the lowest-cost path to the root bridge (the switch with the lowest bridge ID).
Root bridge (primary/secondary): The root bridge (also known as the primary root) is the switch with the lowest bridge ID, which serves as the reference point for the entire network. A secondary root bridge can be designated in the event of a failure of the primary root bridge.
Other port names: Other ports on non-root switches are referred to as designated ports and alternate ports. Designated ports provide a path to the root bridge for a particular segment, while alternate ports provide a backup path in the event that the designated port fails.

2. Port states:

Forwarding: A forwarding port is a port that is active and forwarding traffic in the network.
Blocking: A blocking port is a port that is inactive and not forwarding traffic. It is used to prevent loops in the network.

3. PortFast benefits:

PortFast is a feature that allows a switch port to bypass the normal STP listening and learning states and transition directly to the forwarding state. This provides faster convergence in networks with end-device connections, such as desktops and laptops.
The use of PortFast can reduce the amount of time it takes for a new device to begin forwarding traffic, improving network responsiveness and reducing the risk of temporary network outages.