Basic principles and techniques for designing modern local area networks based on layer 2 and layer 3 switches, as well as underlying technologies. In particular, available technologies are analyzed and their applicability with respect to most common requirements assessed. Moreover, typical issues related to data center and corporate network design are addressed.

Ethernet technology overview: IEEE 802.3, MAC layer, physical layer, repeaters (HUB)
Ethernet evolution: Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit Ethernet
Bridging overview: working principles and layer 2 switching
Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN): base solution and evolutions
The spanning tree protocol: base version, rapid spanning tree, multiple spanning tree
Switched LAN design
Fiber backbone design
Ethernet metropolitan area network design
Advanced features of layer 2 switches: traffic prioritization, flow control, link aggregation, IGMP snooping
Layer 3 switching: working principles and default gateway redundancy (HSRP and VRRP)
Designing switched LANs with layer 3 switches
Application Layer Switching
Storage area networks (SAN): basic principles and solutions
Corporate data center design: access security, load balance, access reliability, redundancy and routing
Wireless LAN IEEE 802.11 overview
Network management and monitoring

During the course some exercises will be carried out by students themselves and then commented during classes. If the number of students is not too large, some hands-on lab activities will be organized, in order to understand better some topics studied in class.

M. Baldi, P. Nicoletti, "Switched LAN," McGraw-Hill Companies, July 2002, ISBN 88 386 3426-2

Written test (including multiple choice questions and essay questions) with possibility of integrative oral interview.
Oral interview when the number of candidates is small.