Qualification Title:

Unit Name: Network Routing and Switching

Unit Number: 5IT05

Learner Full Name: Abuthalib Fathima Zeenath

Learner Registration Number: QR18581

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IQA’s Signature

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 Statement Of Authenticity

Learner’s Declaration

I certify that the work submitted for this assignment is my own and any similarity is within the range of
Turnitin 15%. I have clearly followed Harvard referencing and acknowledged any sources or other
research in my coursework including Charts/Diagrams/Tables and such. I understand that a false
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my assignment and take appropriate action against me. I also permit the management to share all
evidence and course work submitted by me to the concern.

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Learner’s Full Name Abuthalib Fathima Zeenath

Zeenath Abuthalib
Signature

Date 11/22/2024

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Table of Contents
Table of Figures...............................................................................................................................4
1.0 Packet Switching and Circuit Switching: Summary..................................................................5
1.1 Analyze in terms of factors....................................................................................................5
1.2 Features in Managed Switches..............................................................................................6
1.3 Elements to Ponder as You Select a Switch for an Office Network......................................7
2.1 Describe the Uses, Advantages and Disadvantages of Static Routing....................................10
2.2 What is Inter VLAN Routing and Describe 3 Ways It Can Be Configured?...........................11
2.3 Describe Static Routing and Dynamic Routing Along with Their Advantages and
Disadvantages. What are Distance Vector (RIP, IRGP) and Link State (OSPF, IS-IS) Protocols.12
2.4 Draw Simple Illustration Examples for Single Area, Multi Area OSPF (Open Shortest Path
First) Protocols. Describe How You Enable OSPF Instance, Configure OSPF Area, Configure
OSPF Network in Single Area OSPF. Describe How You Create an Area and Attach OSPF
Networks to The Area in Multi Area OSPF...................................................................................14
2.5 Describe How You Configure EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing) for Ipv4..........16
References......................................................................................................................................19

Table of Figures
Figure 1:Illustration Diagram.....................................................................................................14

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1.0 Packet Switching and Circuit Switching: Summary
Packet Switching:

Packet switching is a communication mechanism where information is divided to small that are
transmitted independently over the network.

Circuit Switching:

The circuit switching ensures that communication link between the sender and the receiver is
reserved during the whole activity.

1.1 Analyze in terms of factors

Forward Transmission

 Packet Switching: Data is distributed in packets so that each packet passes through the
network separately. It is not discernable where packets will go and they are routed
through a dynamic decision-making process.
 Circuit Switching: A circuit is first conveyed before transmission and all data travels in
the same predictable circuit until the end of the session.

Bandwidth Wastage and Reservation

 Packet Switching: Bandwidth is used on demand. Communication is prompt and is done

only where there is data to be transmitted; hence there is little wasting of the network. No
bandwidth is reserved for the times of inactivity.
 Circuit Switching: For some of these technologies, bandwidth be reserved for the entire
duration of the communication session. That is a wastage, even if no data is being
transmitted at the current moment.

Physical Path

 Packet Switching: No physical path exists. Switch packets of data across the network
independently, and the path may frequently be dynamic dependant with the internal state
of the network.
 Circuit Switching: An exclusive physical link is built up between the two communicating
entities and lasts till the session is over.

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Data Packet Transmission

 Packet Switching: Data is divided into packets with packet headers and packets with a
content or payload.
 Circuit Switching: Data is passed on in packets through the channel that is developed as a
dedicated circuit.

1.2 Features in Managed Switches

1. Quality of Service (QoS)

QOS make certain that the crucial traffic on the web is given the proper consideration it deserves.
This is quite helpful in avoiding disruption or sluggishness in operations which require constant
feedback such as, conference calling or gaming.

2. The Simple Network Management Protocol or the SNMP

SNMP vastly assists in the exercise of control over the network. Managed switches incorporate it
to enable administrators to observe, control, as well as address problems organizationally with
connected devices.

3. Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs)

VLANs are similar to creating subnets in your large network system. With managed switches,
the devices can be grouped even those which are patch cabled together are not necessarily
physically patch cabled together. This enhances security since there will be a well defined flow
of traffic.

4. Redundancy

Redundancy can be thought of simply as maintaining the network in case something goes wrong.
Features of managed switches are such recommended features as Spanning Tree Protocol that
avoids network loops and assures that backup links are always available if the primary link goes
down. This avoids operational hitches that would cause the company to close shop or slow down
its operations significantly.

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 5. Port Mirroring

Port mirroring is as a function that enables you to capture the data which transit via certain ports
and forward this data to another port. It is applied for revival, oversight of the traffic.

1.3 Elements to Ponder as You Select a Switch for an Office Network

Selecting the right switch for an office Network is a very important factor in determining how
well it will perform both in terms of speed and security as well as its expandability capability.
Here are the main factors to consider:

Network Size and Growth

First, think about the amount of devices that you use in the present time and the amount that you
might want to connect in the future. For more growth make sure to select a switch that has
available ports or modules to support the expansion plans.

Switch Type

 Unmanaged Switches: Mainly designed for small office use

 Managed Switches: Most suitable for large sophisticated networks.
 Smart Switches: A good middle ground that provides basic features of switch
management

Port Count and Speed

Select one with the terminal points as many fits your devices together with a little space left over
to expand in the future. For average office computers UTP ports of 1 giga bit per second will
suffice but if high speed data transfer such as Video conferencing and transferring large file sizes
is required then the 10 giga bit per second UTP ports should suffice.

Power over Ethernet (PoE)

They supply data while also supplying power over the same cable, thus eliminating the problem
of additional power outlets and cables.

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Layer 2 vs. Layer 3

 Layer 2 Switches: Operates and transmit protocols more efficiently within the subscripted
treatment of locally managed area network (LAN).
 Layer 3 Switches: may act as a gateway and route between other distinct networks or
VLANs which may apply to more complex environments.

Redundancy and Reliability

When selecting the switches, it’s such as the Spanning Tree Protocol should be there to ensure
there is an option in case the primary one is not available. The switches also have dual power
supply.

Traffic Management (QoS)

If your office utilizes application that facilitates real time traffic including VOIP, video and
teleconferencing services then QoS guarantees this priority traffic types the bandwidth they
require regardless of the congestion in the network.

Budget

Choose a switch that you’ll be able to pay for but also one which will benefit your office. Low-
cost unmanaged switches offer no advanced features while the managed ones are steeply priced
with several features and control.

Size and Environment

It is therefore important to consider where in physical space that switch is to be located. The
rack-mounted switches are preferred for large systems implemented in networks and the desktop
switches are ideal for small business.

Security Features

In order not to allow unauthorized devices to connect to the switch check the switch ports with
port security and Access Control Lists (ACLs).

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Support and Warranty

Ensure that every time you decide to switch, you are able to be accompanied by swollen
technical support as well as warranted guarantee.

Energy Efficiency

New kinds of switch provide some forms of power and better utilization when it comes to
electric bills at the same time, it is more environment friendly. When selecting a switch look for a
switch that has Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) to conserve power.

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2.1 Describe the Uses, Advantages and Disadvantages of Static Routing
Static routing is a routing method in which a network uses a fixed route which is set up by a
network administrator and is best suitable for small networks or when it is unlikely a network is
going to change. The essential strength of static routing is their ease of setup – once the routes
are set, the path taken by data becomes static. This is particularly useful in the security aspect
because there are no routine advertisements of routing that might be manipulated by some staff
or individuals. Further, static routing does not call for routers to periodically broadcast routing
information within the network, and thus the method is more efficient compared to dynamic
routing protocols.

Static routing does have its disadvantages as follows: In the case where a network has expanded
or the structure has changed managing static routes turns into large numbers. Consequently, any
changes such as adding new equipment or modifying the paths in a network necessitate
modification of the routing table by hand–work which is tiresome and may result in human-made
mistakes. The other disadvantage is rigidity; the static routes do not contain redundancy and can
only forward data to the addressed location; rerouting occurs after manually correcting the link
that has developed a fault. In addition, static routing doesn’t create load balance since traffic will
not be accurately distributed across many paths even if many paths exist. Finally, because the
static route depends on manual configuration, any errors that are made in the setup will result in
data being misrouted and creating problems that may take time to diagnose. (Ross, 2017)

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2.2 What is Inter VLAN Routing and Describe 3 Ways It Can Be Configured?
Inter VLAN routing is a network that involves the connection of devices attached to different
VLANs to ensure communication is established. That is because VLANs are designed to connect
networks into common working groups to enhance security, functionality, and cohesive
administrative order. If inter-VLAN routing wasn’t possible, devices in different VLANs could
not communicate with each other. This routing process is useful in enabling the transfer of data
across VLANs and can be done in various ways based on the network design and available
equipment.

Three ways for Configuring Inter-VLAN Routing:

Router-on-a-Stick (ROAS):

By this, only one physical router integrates the VLANs where traffic is to be rerouted. The router
setup involves the router now becoming a trunk hence it connects with a switch; every VLAN
has a sub-interface on the router. All sub-interface are assigned IP addresses This IP address will
be serving as the default gateway for all devices that are in the VLAN.

Multi-Layer Switching and Routing:

Multilayer switches go a step further by combining Layer 2 (switching) and Layer 3 (routing)
capabilities into one device. These switches provide more advanced routing features, enabling
efficient inter-VLAN communication. The switch uses VLAN interfaces (SVIs) for routing
between VLANs, and because it processes both switching and routing tasks within the same
device.

Layer 3 Switch Routing:

This method utilizes a Layer 3 switch, which is a switch that also works like a router. VLAN
traffic can easily be switched directly to another VLAN without the use of another router. Every
VLAN has its own Switched Virtual Interface (SVI) – that is their default gateway for the
devices in that VLAN. Layer 3 switches are faster in routing since it’s an internal operation of
the switch.
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2.3 Describe Static Routing and Dynamic Routing Along with Their
Advantages and Disadvantages. What are Distance Vector (RIP, IRGP) and
Link State (OSPF, IS-IS) Protocols
The two mentioned approaches are static routing and dynamic routing which define how data is
passed through a network. Static routing is developed and implemented through specific
configures by the administration while dynamic routing on the other hand is determined through
protocols that consider specific network conditions.

Static Routing

Static routing implies the configuration of specific routes on routers. Easy to set in place as well
as implement. Safer in that one can’t get an automatic route exchange of twice the bandwidth.
Static routing involves manually setting routes on routers.

Advantages of Static Routing

 Simple to configure and use.

 Low resource consumption.
 More secure due to no automatic route exchange.

Disadvantages of Static Routing

 Becomes almost near impossible to manage as the network expands

 Has a limitation of rigidity; the routes must be manually adjusted if a path is invalid.
 Should not be used in large or dynamic networks.

Dynamic Routing

Dynamic routing uses protocols to enable routers to self-adjust routes in real time. It can redefine
itself without prior notice according to network changes. Dynamic routing uses protocols to
determine the best path based on network conditions automatically.

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Dynamic routing uses protocols to allow routers to adjust routes based on real-time
automatically.

 Does not cause network changes, on the contrary, it automatically adapts to appropriate
changes
 Works well with large networks.
 Adapts automatically to network changes.
 Provides redundancy

Disadvantages of Dynamic Routing

 Requires more resources

 More complex to configure and manage.
 Vulnerable to routing attacks.

Distance Vector Protocols (RIP, IGRP)

Distance vector protocols exchange routing tables with the neighboring routers for the path’s
optimization.

Advantages of Distance Vector Protocols

 Simple to configure.
 Lower resource requirements compared to link-state protocols.

Disadvantages of Distance Vector Protocols

 Slow convergence and limited scalability.

 Can result in routing loops and longer downtimes.

Link State protocols (OSPF, IS – IS)

Link-state protocols make an totality of a network.

Advantages of Link-State Protocols

 Faster convergence.
 More scalable and efficient

Disadvantages of Link-State Protocols

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  Higher complexity and resource consumption.
 Requires more frequent updates.

2.4 Draw Simple Illustration Examples for Single Area, Multi Area OSPF
(Open Shortest Path First) Protocols. Describe How You Enable OSPF
Instance, Configure OSPF Area, Configure OSPF Network in Single Area
OSPF. Describe How You Create an Area and Attach OSPF Networks to The
Area in Multi Area OSPF

Figure 1:Illustration Diagram

For Single-Area OSPF:
 OSPF is enabled on routers within the same area.
 Each router is configured with an OSPF instance to specify which interfaces belong
to OSPF.

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  The routers exchange routing information within the same area.

For Multi-Area OSPF:

 The network is divided into many areas.

 Each area has a set of routers.
 Routers in different areas are connected, and they exchange routing information
through the backbone.
 You configure different OSPF areas and attach networks to those areas by specifying
the area number when configuring OSPF.

Configuration Example for Single-Area OSPF:

1. Enable OSPF

router ospf 1

2. Configure OSPF Area

network 192 .168 .1 .0/24 area 0

3. Attach OSPF Network

network 192.168.1. 255.255.255. 0 area 0

Configuration Example for Multi-Area OSPF:

1. Enable OSPF Instance

router ospf 1

2. Configure OSPF Areas

network [Link] mask [Link] area 0

network 192.168.2. 255.255.255. 0 area 1

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2.5 Describe How You Configure EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway
Routing) for Ipv4
To configure EIGRP for IPv4:

1. Enable EIGRP Routing Process:

Enable the EIGRP process with an Autonomous System (AS) number:

router eigrp [AS number]

2. Configure EIGRP Networks:

The next step is to define the networks this router is going to exchange information with by using
the network EIGRP command as shown below.

network [Link] [Link]

3. Enable EIGRP on Specific Interfaces (Optional):

To enable EIGRP on a specific interface:

interface [interface name]

ips address [ip address] [subnet mask]

4. Verify EIGRP Configuration:

Check EIGRP status with:

 Neighbors:

show ip eigrp neighbors

 Routing table:

show ip route eigrp

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(Wallace, 2021)

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References
Ross, K. a., 2017. Networking - A Top and Down Approch, s.l.: Research Gate.
Wallace, K., 2021. CCNP Routing and Switching Essentials. s.l.:Cisco.
Cisco Systems. (n.d.). Introduction to circuit and packet switching. from [Link]
Network World. (n.d.). How to choose the right network switch for your business. from
[Link]
Odom, W. (2016). CCNA routing and switching 200-125 official cert guide library. Cisco Press.

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