Subnetting, VLANs and routing: hands on with real configs

Subnetting, VLANs and routing are where networking theory turns into real configuration. They are also the topics that most often stop people preparing for certifications such as the Cisco CCNA, or taking on network duties at work. This course makes them concrete by combining clear explanations with hands on labs.

What you will learn

• Subnetting quickly and accurately, with a method you can do in your head
• Variable length subnet masking to size subnets to real needs
• VLANs, access ports and 802.1Q trunks
• Inter VLAN routing with router on a stick and layer 3 switches
• Static and default routes, and how routers choose between routes
• Single area OSPF configuration and verification
• DHCP servers and relays, NAT overload and basic access control lists
• Designing, documenting and troubleshooting a small office network

Labs

All labs run in free tools. Cisco Packet Tracer, available through Cisco Networking Academy, simulates routers and switches and is ideal for learning. GNS3 can run real network operating system images if you have legal access to them. Configurations use Cisco IOS style commands, which are widely taught and similar to many other vendors' command lines.

Who it is for

This course is for learners who understand basic networking, such as IP addresses, subnet masks and what a router does, and want to go further. It suits IT staff taking on network responsibilities, students preparing for CCNA level exams and developers who want to understand the networks their systems run on. If you need the basics first, the free networking fundamentals course covers them.