LAN Design & Link Aggregation Flashcards

1
Q

What is the hierarchical network model?

A

A design model that divides the network into discrete layers, each with specific functions: Access, Distribution, and Core.

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2
Q

What is the primary function of the Access Layer?

A

To provide access to the network for end devices such as PCs, printers, and IP phones.

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3
Q

What is the primary function of the Distribution Layer?

A

To aggregate data received from the access layer switches and forward it to the core layer.

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4
Q

What is the primary function of the Core Layer?

A

To provide a high-speed backbone for the interconnectivity between distribution layer devices.

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5
Q

What are the benefits of a hierarchical network design?

A

Scalability, redundancy, performance, security, manageability, and maintainability.

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6
Q

What is the significance of network diameter in hierarchical network design?

A

Network diameter refers to the number of devices a packet has to cross before reaching its destination, ensuring low and predictable latency.

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7
Q

What is bandwidth aggregation?

A

The practice of combining multiple network links to increase bandwidth.

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8
Q

What is redundancy in network design?

A

Implementing multiple paths and components to ensure network availability in case of failure.

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9
Q

What is a converged network?

A

A network that combines voice, video, and data services on a single infrastructure.

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10
Q

What is port density in switch performance characteristics?

A

The number of ports available on a single switch.

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11
Q

What is forwarding rate in switch performance?

A

The processing capabilities of a switch, determining how much data it can handle per second.

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12
Q

What is Power over Ethernet (PoE)?

A

A technology that allows Ethernet cables to carry electrical power, providing power to devices like phones and access points.

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13
Q

What is Layer 3 functionality in switches?

A

Switches that can perform routing functions, handling inter-VLAN routing and applying security policies.

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14
Q

What is link aggregation?

A

Combining multiple physical links into a single logical link to increase bandwidth and provide redundancy.

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15
Q

What is EtherChannel?

A

A form of link aggregation used in switched networks to create a single logical link from multiple physical links.

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16
Q

What are the advantages of EtherChannel?

A

Consistency in configurations, load balancing, redundancy, and it is viewed as one logical link by STP.

17
Q

What are the restrictions of EtherChannel?

A

A logical link of higher bandwidth is still multiple links of lower bandwidth, and a single Ethernet frame will only be transmitted on one physical link.

18
Q

What is the difference between PAgP and LACP?

A

PAgP is Cisco proprietary and not recommended for use, while LACP is an IEEE standard supported by multiple vendors.

19
Q

What is Port Aggregation Protocol (PAgP)?

A

A Cisco proprietary protocol for link aggregation, not recommended for use.

20
Q

What is Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP)?

A

An IEEE 802.3ad standard for link aggregation, supported by multiple vendors and recommended by Cisco.

21
Q

What is the maximum number of ports supported in an EtherChannel bundle?

A

Up to 16 ports, with 8 active and 8 standby.

22
Q

What are the configuration guidelines for EtherChannel?

A

Ensure EtherChannel support, matching speed and duplex, same VLAN configuration, and consistent trunk settings.

23
Q

What is the best practice for configuring EtherChannel?

A

Establish correct trunk operation first, shut down one side of the connection, aggregate ports into a channel, and then enable the shutdown ports.

24
Q

What are some useful troubleshooting commands for EtherChannel?

A

‘show interface port-channel’, ‘show etherchannel summary’, ‘show etherchannel port-channel’, and ‘show interfaces etherchannel’.

25
Q

What is the role of the hierarchical network model in ensuring network availability?

A

It provides modularity, facilitating scalability and performance planning, and includes redundancy to ensure high availability.

26
Q

What is the purpose of logical layout documentation in network design?

A

To clearly outline the logical interconnections and help with future troubleshooting.

27
Q

What is the significance of no intra-layer connections in the hierarchical model?

A

To prevent routing loops and ensure a predictable network diameter.

28
Q

What is a topology diagram?

A

A graphical representation of the network infrastructure, showing switch interconnections, redundant paths, and configuration details.

29
Q

What are the switch performance characteristics to consider?

A

Port density, forwarding rate, link aggregation capacity, PoE, and Layer 3 functionality.

30
Q

What are the key features to look for in access layer switches?

A

Port security, VLAN support, gigabit interfaces, PoE, link aggregation, and QoS capabilities.

31
Q

What are the key features to look for in distribution layer switches?

A

Layer 3 support, high forwarding rate, link aggregation, redundant components, security policies, and QoS capabilities.

32
Q

What are the key features to look for in core layer switches?

A

Very high forwarding rate, 10 Gigabit support, redundant components, link aggregation, and QoS capabilities.

33
Q

What is the impact of link aggregation on spanning tree protocol (STP)?

A

STP views aggregated links as one logical link, preventing loops and allowing traffic to be load-balanced across physical links.

34
Q

What is the advantage of using existing switch ports for link aggregation?

A

It avoids the need for hardware upgrades and allows for efficient use of current resources.

35
Q

What are the considerations for network design in converged networks?

A

Implementing QoS policies to prioritize audio and video traffic, and ensuring sufficient bandwidth and low latency for all services.

36
Q

What is the significance of assessing traffic flows in network design?

A

To identify potential bottlenecks, optimize the placement of servers and storage units, and ensure efficient data flow.

37
Q

What is the role of traffic flow analysis tools?

A

To monitor network utilization, identify trends, and assist in capacity planning and performance optimization.

38
Q

What are the considerations for future growth in network design?

A

Estimating user and traffic growth, ensuring sufficient switch port capacity, and planning for potential upgrades.

39
Q

What is the significance of using the correct trunk mode in EtherChannel configuration?

A

To ensure compatibility and proper aggregation of VLAN traffic across all bundled links.