Jeremy's IT Lab - CCNA Course

Introduction

• Free CCNA course: Encourages subscribing, liking, commenting, and sharing.
• Lab Practice: Download labs from the video description and practice using Packet Tracer.
• Boson's NetSim: Recommended for more guided labs and deeper understanding.

Lab Overview: Basic STP Configurations

• STP Configuration: Necessary to ensure traffic follows the optimal path.
• Root Bridge Selection: Configure which switch should be the root for each VLAN to balance network traffic.

Step 1: Check Current STP Topology

1. SW1:
   • Use command: ENABLE, SHOW SPANNING-TREE.
   • Confirm SW1 is not the root bridge (different MAC addresses in Root and Bridge ID).
   • Port roles: F0/3 is the root port.
2. SW2:
   • Confirmed as root bridge: states 'this bridge is the root'.
   • All interfaces are designated ports.
3. SW3:
   • F0/2 is the root port, F0/1 is designated.
4. SW4:
   • F0/1 is the root port, F0/2 is blocking (alternate port).

Step 2: Configure Load Balancing

• SW1:
  • Primary root for VLAN1: SPANNING-TREE VLAN 1 ROOT PRIMARY.
  • Secondary root for VLAN2: SPANNING-TREE VLAN 2 ROOT SECONDARY.
• SW2:
  • Primary root for VLAN2: SPANNING-TREE VLAN 2 ROOT PRIMARY.
  • Secondary root for VLAN1: SPANNING-TREE VLAN 1 ROOT SECONDARY.

Step 3: Increase Interface Cost on SW4

• Objective: Increase the cost of F0/2 to 100 in VLAN1.
• Result: F0/2 is no longer the root port, F0/1 becomes the new root port.

Step 4: Adjust Port Priority on SW1

• Objective: Increase F0/1 priority to 240 on SW1 for VLAN1.
• Result: No change in SW3 root port selection as cost is the primary factor.

Configuring PortFast and BPDU Guard

• Objective: Enable PortFast and BPDU Guard on SW3's F0/3.
• Test: Disconnect and reconnect PC, immediate forwarding due to PortFast.
• Verify BPDU Guard: Interface shuts down when connected to another switch.

Boson NetSim Lab Preview

• CCNP-level Lab: Spanning Tree Protocol PVST Load Balancing.
• Tasks:
  • Initial configurations: Trunk, VTP, VLAN configurations.
  • Plan and implement root bridge configurations for load balancing.
  • Documentation: Document network configurations and pathways.

Conclusion

• NetSim Recommendation: Valuable for thorough practice and understanding.
• Community Engagement: Encouraged to subscribe, share, and support via tips.

Tips for Studying:

• Practice using Packet Tracer and NetSim.
• Understand STP concepts, configurations, and troubleshooting.
• Engage with community resources and support materials.