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3.10. Reflection Checkpoint

Key Takeaways

Before proceeding, ensure you can:

  • Configure VLANs, access ports, and voice VLANs on Cisco switches
  • Set up trunk links with 802.1Q tagging and explain why native VLAN mismatches cause problems
  • Explain WHY Spanning Tree blocks redundant paths and how it prevents broadcast storms
  • Configure EtherChannel using LACP and verify member ports are bundled correctly
  • Distinguish between autonomous, lightweight, and cloud-managed AP architectures

Connecting Forward

In Phase 4, you'll learn how routers make forwarding decisions between the VLANs you've configured. Inter-VLAN routing (covered in 3.1.3) sets up the need for Layer 3 decisions—Phase 4 dives deep into how routers select paths using static routes, OSPF, and the longest prefix match algorithm.

Self-Check Questions

  1. A new switch port is configured for VLAN 10, but the connected PC cannot communicate with other VLAN 10 devices. Using the troubleshooting methodology from this phase, what would you check first?
  2. Why would a network architect choose EtherChannel over simply adding more individual links between switches?
  3. In a Rapid PVST+ deployment, what happens to a designated port when it detects a topology change, and why is this faster than classic STP?