L2 Ethernet in a Day Hands-On Training

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1-Day Instructor-Led Hands-On Lab Class
Available in either Web-Based Delivery or On-Site Delivery
Minimum 8 Students – Maximum 16 Students

Course Description

Ethernet is the foundation of modern Local Area Networks and is also widely used throughout enterprise, broadband, metropolitan, data-center, and service-provider networks. Anyone responsible for installing, operating, supporting, or troubleshooting networks needs a solid understanding of how Ethernet actually works at Layer 2.

The CSI-HO-009-A L2 Ethernet in a Day course provides that foundation in a fast-paced, concentrated one-day format. Using CellStream’s practical “follow me” learning approach, students work through Ethernet concepts while observing and applying the technologies as they are introduced.

Students begin with Ethernet MAC addressing, including MAC address structure and the processes Ethernet switches use to learn, maintain, and remove MAC address information. From there, the course examines Ethernet bridging and switching so students understand how switches make forwarding decisions and how Ethernet traffic moves through a Layer 2 network.

The course then explores Virtual LANs (VLANs) and how VLANs are used to logically segment Ethernet networks and create separate broadcast domains. Students develop an understanding of how switching and VLAN technologies work together to build scalable Layer 2 networks.

Students also examine Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) and its critical role in connecting IPv4 communications with Ethernet. Understanding ARP helps students see the important relationship between Layer 2 MAC addressing and Layer 3 IPv4 addressing.

The course concludes with Ethernet Spanning Tree, explaining why Layer 2 loops are dangerous and how Spanning Tree Protocol helps create loop-free Ethernet topologies while still allowing redundant network paths.

Throughout the day, hands-on activities reinforce the concepts being presented. Rather than simply memorizing Ethernet terminology, students see how Ethernet devices operate and develop skills that can be applied directly to network installation, support, configuration, and troubleshooting.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Explain the fundamental operation of Layer 2 Ethernet networks.
Understand Ethernet standards and basic LAN concepts.
Describe the structure and purpose of Ethernet MAC addresses.
Explain how Ethernet switches learn and maintain MAC address information.
Understand how Ethernet bridges and switches forward frames.
Explain Ethernet network topology and common cabling considerations.
Understand the purpose of Ethernet broadcast domains.
Explain the purpose and operation of Virtual LANs.
Understand how VLANs logically segment Ethernet networks.
Explain how ARP connects IPv4 addressing with Ethernet MAC addressing.
Recognize ARP operation within an Ethernet network.
Explain why Layer 2 loops can disrupt Ethernet networks.
Understand the purpose and basic operation of Spanning Tree Protocol.
Apply Ethernet concepts through hands-on exercises and demonstrations.
Develop a stronger foundation for Ethernet configuration and troubleshooting.

The objective is to give students a practical Layer 2 skill set in a single day. The course concentrates on the Ethernet technologies that networking professionals are most likely to encounter when operating and troubleshooting switched networks.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for anyone who needs a practical understanding of Ethernet and Ethernet switching but wants that knowledge delivered in a focused one-day format.

It is particularly valuable for:

Network Operations personnel
Network Technicians
Central Office Technicians
Field Technicians
Customer Support personnel
Network Administrators
Network Support Engineers
Network Design Engineers
Development and Test Engineers
Network Management personnel
Technical Sales professionals
Technical Marketing professionals
Individuals pursuing networking certifications
New networking professionals and new hires
Anyone who needs to strengthen their Layer 2 Ethernet knowledge

The course is also useful for technical sales, marketing, and support professionals who need enough Ethernet knowledge to better understand network features, functionality, and customer requirements.

Course Prerequisites

No previous Ethernet expertise is required.

Some familiarity with computers and basic networking concepts is helpful, but the course is designed so that students can build their Ethernet knowledge throughout the day.

Students participating in the hands-on exercises must have access to a laptop computer with Remote Desktop capability so they can connect to the remote lab environment. Remote Desktop clients are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

If suitable computers are provided at the training location, individual student laptops may not be required.

Course Materials

Students will receive:

A Course Student Guide
Access to the remote Ethernet lab environment
Hands-on configuration and analysis exercises
Instructor-led demonstrations and practical examples

The lab environment allows students to reinforce the concepts introduced during instruction and gain practical experience with Ethernet networking.

Course Outline

Section 1: Course Introduction and Logistics
Section 2: Ethernet MAC Addressing
Section 3: Ethernet Bridging and Switching
Section 4: Ethernet VLANs
Section 5: The ARP Protocol
Section 6: Ethernet Spanning Trees

Course Availability:

View the course calendar and browse for our schedule. It will show scheduled courses and available dates for scheduling.

CSI-HO-009-A – L2 Ethernet in a Day – 1 Day