Layer 2 CCIE Online Training: VLAN, EtherChannel & STP Tutorial

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UPDATED: February 22, 2024

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This Layer 2 CCIE training prepares network engineers to manage advanced VLAN topics, including trunking, VLAN databases, and VTP. Learn to implement LACP, EtherChannel Misconfiguration Guard, and choose between PVST+, Rapid PVST+, and MST. Ideal for advanced configurations and practical skills in deploying and troubleshooting Layer 2 technologies in enterprise networks. This course includes virtual labs designed by by 2x CCIE Jeff Kish, and is an excellent resource to help you study for the Layer 2 portion of the CCIE exam.

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What you'll learn with Layer 2 CCIE training

Deploying VLAN technologies including private VLANs and advanced trunking topologies
Mastering Spanning Tree through PVST+, Rapid-PVST+, and MST region configuration
Implementing STP protection using BPDU guard, Root guard, and Loop guard
Configuring EtherChannels with LACP signaling, priorities, and advanced load-balancing
Tuning network convergence by optimizing STP timers and bridge assurance features
Managing switch infrastructure including L2 MTU, MAC learning, and NTP/PTP synchronization

Layer 2 CCIE training FAQs

Is the CCIE worth it?

Whether or not Cisco's expert-level networking certification is right for you depends on a lot of factors, including your commitment to the IT career field, your current experience level, and your desire for advanced positions in enterprise network engineering. The CCIE Enterprise in particular is a prestigious and highly sought-after certification that signifies mastery in enterprise networking – earning it is a difficult and expensive journey but can pay off with top-tier enterprise network jobs.

What is EtherChannel and STP?

EtherChannel and STP are two different networking technologies that keep enterprise networks stable and efficient. Mastering their implementation, management and administration is a critical part of the job for enterprise network engineers. EtherChannel allows multiple physical Ethernet links to be combined into a single logical link. Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) prevents loops in Ethernet networks by dynamically closing redundant paths and ensuring a loop-free logical topology is maintained.

What experience level is the CCIE suitable for?

The CCIE is considered by Cisco an expert-level certification and rightly so: it's suitable for highly experienced networking professionals with no less than five, but recommended to have seven years of direct and hands-on experience with designing, deploying, operating and optimizing enterprise networking technologies and solutions. The topics on the CCIE are advanced enough that it's not particularly useful for early-career IT professionals to try and learn them early – for that, a course related to CCNP is the better option.

How much does the CCIE cost?

The total cost of the CCIE can vary depending on whether and how far you have to travel to take the mandatory in-person exam and whether or not you can pass the challenging written exam on your first attempt. For the CCIE alone, the bare minimum cost is $2,100, but theoretically the tests alone could cost as much as $12,000. Additionally, travel and accommodations could cost more, and the additional cost of any previous certifications (which aren't mandatory).

Who should take this CCIE VLAN, EtherChannel & STP course?

Anyone interested in eventually earning their CCIE Enterprise should definitely take this course since it's designed to teach you about three very important enterprise networking technologies relevant to the CCIE Enterprise exams. Additionally, networking professionals with several years of experience working with enterprise networks who need additional familiarity with implementing virtualized networks or maintaining ethernet networks for enterprise-scale networks would benefit from this course.

Who is Layer 2 CCIE training for?

This CCIE training is designed for expert-level network engineers and architects with 5–7 years of experience who are responsible for designing and maintaining large-scale Cisco enterprise environments.

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Study guide

Download the free Layer 2 CCIE study guide to complete this course in about 38 hours.

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Topics related to Layer 2 CCIE training

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