Part II: Data Center Nexus Switching and Routing Fundamentals

The data networking components of today’s data centers are typically built using Ethernet technology. Specifically, the physical links, data-link protocols, and networking devices, such as Ethernet LAN switches, follow Ethernet standards.

Part II begins with Chapter 5, which looks specifically at Cisco Nexus data center switches—how to access the user interface, how to configure administrative features, how to configure the devices to perform LAN switching, and how to make the devices perform many of the basic functions necessary for a data center LAN.

Chapters 6–9 then discuss two specific larger topics about how a Layer 2 data center LAN works: virtual LANs (VLANs) and Spanning Tree Protocol (STP).

Finally, Chapter 10 provides some historical perspectives on Ethernet, while focusing on the logic of how a Layer 2 switch forwards Ethernet frames.

Chapter 5: Installing and Operating Nexus Switches

Chapter 6: VLAN and Trunking Concepts

Chapter 7: VLAN Trunking and Configuration

Chapter 8: Spanning Tree Protocol Concepts

Chapter 9: Cisco Nexus Spanning Tree Protocol Implementation

Chapter 10: Configuring Ethernet Switching

Part II Review