Network Implementation

Switching features: VLANs segment broadcast domains, 802.1Q trunks carry multiple VLANs, STP prevents loops, port aggregation (LACP) bundles links, and PoE powers devices over Ethernet.

Routing moves packets between networks using static routes or dynamic protocols. Know the families: distance-vector (RIP), link-state (OSPF), and path-vector (BGP, the Internet’s routing protocol). The router chooses routes by prefix length, then administrative distance, then metric. NAT and first-hop redundancy (VRRP/HSRP) round out the implementation domain.