Cisco Discovery Introducing Routing and Switching in the Enterprise
CITY & GUILDS LIMITED
Vocational
This unit covers configuring switched infrastructure, testing routed and switched networks, and implementing traffic filtering. Learners develop skills in Cisco networking.
17
Learning Outcomes
23
Assessment Guidance
23
Key Skills
16
Key Terms
30
Assessment Criteria
Assessment criteria
City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in ICT Systems Support
City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in ICT Systems and Principles for IT Professionals
City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in ICT Systems Support
City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate in ICT Systems and Principles
City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in ICT Systems and Principles for IT Professionals
City & Guilds Level 4 Diploma For ICT Professionals (Systems and Principles)
City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in ICT Systems Support
Topic Overview
The City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in ICT Systems Support is a vocational qualification designed to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to provide effective technical support in an IT environment. This diploma covers a broad range of topics, including computer hardware, software installation, networking fundamentals, and customer service skills. It is ideal for those looking to start a career as an IT support technician, helpdesk analyst, or field service engineer.
Throughout the course, you will learn how to diagnose and resolve common hardware and software issues, set up and maintain computer networks, and communicate effectively with end-users. The qualification emphasizes hands-on, real-world scenarios, preparing you for the demands of the workplace. By the end of the diploma, you will be able to confidently troubleshoot problems, perform routine maintenance, and support users in a professional manner.
This diploma sits within the broader context of IT and digital skills, providing a solid foundation for further study or entry-level employment. It is recognized by employers across various sectors, as ICT support is a critical function in any organization that relies on technology. Mastering these skills not only opens doors to immediate job opportunities but also builds a pathway to advanced qualifications, such as the Level 3 Diploma in ICT Systems Support or specialized certifications like CompTIA A+.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Hardware components: Understanding the function and installation of CPUs, RAM, hard drives, motherboards, and power supplies.
- →Software installation and configuration: Installing operating systems (e.g., Windows 10/11), device drivers, and application software, as well as managing user accounts and permissions.
- →Networking basics: Knowledge of IP addressing, subnetting, network topologies (star, bus, ring), and common networking devices (routers, switches, hubs).
- →Troubleshooting methodology: Following a systematic approach to identify, diagnose, and resolve hardware and software issues, including the use of diagnostic tools and error logs.
- →Customer service skills: Communicating technical information clearly to non-technical users, managing expectations, and documenting support requests.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- Be able to configure a switched infrastructure, Be able to test and troubleshoot a routed and switched infrastructure, Understand traffic filtering and implement an solution
- Be able to configure a switched infrastructure, Be able to test and troubleshoot a routed and switched infrastructure, Understand traffic filtering and implement an solution
- Be able to configure a switched infrastructure, Be able to test and troubleshoot a routed and switched infrastructure, Understand traffic filtering and implement an solution
- Configure VLANs and trunk links on Cisco switches to segment broadcast domains.
- Implement inter-VLAN routing using router-on-a-stick or Layer 3 switching.
- Apply Spanning Tree Protocol adjustments to prevent switching loops and ensure path redundancy.
- Diagnose and resolve common Layer 2 and Layer 3 connectivity problems using systematic troubleshooting models.
- Design and deploy standard and extended ACLs to filter traffic based on source, destination, and protocol.
- Verify network functionality using show and debug commands to validate configurations.
- Be able to configure a switched infrastructure, Be able to test and troubleshoot a routed and switched infrastructure, Understand traffic filtering and implement an solution
- Be able to configure a switched infrastructure, Be able to test and troubleshoot a routed and switched infrastructure, Understand traffic filtering and implement an solution
- Configure VLANs and trunking on switches to segment network traffic.
- Implement inter-VLAN routing using router-on-a-stick or Layer 3 switching.
- Apply access control lists (ACLs) to filter traffic based on source/destination addresses and protocols.
- Test and verify network connectivity using appropriate tools and commands.
- Troubleshoot common switching and routing issues using a systematic approach.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of traffic filtering solutions in meeting security requirements.
Assessment Criteria
Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio
- Configure VLANs, trunking, and spanning tree on switches.
- Test and troubleshoot routing and switching issues using CLI commands.
- Implement access control lists (ACLs) to filter traffic.
- Verify network connectivity and performance.
- Configure VLANs and trunking on switches.
- Test and troubleshoot routing and switching issues.
- Implement ACLs for traffic filtering.
- Configure VLANs, trunking, and spanning tree on switches.
- Test network connectivity and troubleshoot common issues.
- Implement access control lists (ACLs) to filter traffic.
- Verify and document network configurations.
- Award credit for accurate VLAN creation and correct port assignments in the switch configuration.
- Expect successful ping tests across VLANs, proving inter-VLAN routing functionality.
- Look for evidence of intentional STP priority or cost modifications to influence root bridge elections.
- Assess the troubleshooting log for logical progression: problem definition, information gathering, hypothesis testing, and resolution.
- Confirm ACL placement and direction (in/out) are appropriate for the stated filtering requirement.
- Check that ACLs are applied to the correct interfaces and that deny/permit statements are correctly ordered.
- Configure VLANs and trunking on switches.
- Configure static and dynamic routing (RIP, OSPF).
- Troubleshoot common switching and routing issues.
- Implement access control lists (ACLs) for traffic filtering.
- Configure VLANs, trunking, and spanning tree on switches.
- Implement static and dynamic routing protocols like OSPF.
- Troubleshoot connectivity issues using show and debug commands.
- Apply access control lists to filter traffic.
- Award credit for demonstrating correct configuration of VLANs and trunk ports, including native VLAN and allowed VLAN lists.
- Award credit for demonstrating correct implementation of inter-VLAN routing with appropriate subinterfaces and encapsulation.
- Award credit for demonstrating correct creation and application of standard and extended ACLs with proper placement.
- Award credit for using show commands and ping/traceroute to verify network operation and isolate faults.
- Award credit for documenting troubleshooting steps and providing justifications for solutions.
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡Practice using show commands to verify configurations.
- 💡Understand the purpose of each command in the configuration process.
- 💡Use packet tracer or lab simulations for hands-on practice.
- 💡Use simulation tools for practice.
- 💡Understand show commands for verification.
- 💡Follow systematic troubleshooting approach.
- 💡Use simulation tools to practice configuration and troubleshooting.
- 💡Understand the OSI model to isolate problems.
- 💡Double-check ACL logic and test with ping/traceroute.
- 💡Always start troubleshooting at Layer 1 (physical connectivity) before moving up the OSI model.
- 💡In simulation-based assessments, save configurations frequently and test incremental changes to isolate faults.
- 💡When filtering traffic with extended ACLs, place them as close to the source as possible to reduce unnecessary network load.
- 💡Use the 'show ip route' and 'show spanning-tree' commands regularly to confirm routing and switching states before applying changes.
- 💡Practice on simulators like Packet Tracer.
- 💡Use show commands to verify configurations.
- 💡Understand the purpose of each command.
- 💡Practice configuration on simulators like Packet Tracer.
- 💡Memorise common show commands for troubleshooting.
- 💡Understand the purpose of each protocol before configuring.
- 💡Practice configuring VLANs and ACLs in a simulated environment to build speed and accuracy.
- 💡Memorize key show commands (e.g., show vlan brief, show ip interface, show access-lists) for troubleshooting.
- 💡Always verify your configuration with ping and traceroute before moving on.
- 💡Understand the order of ACL processing and the implicit deny at the end.
- 💡When answering questions about troubleshooting, always structure your response using a logical step-by-step approach. Start by gathering information from the user, then replicate the issue, isolate the cause, and finally implement and test a fix. This demonstrates methodical thinking.
- 💡For hardware questions, be precise with terminology. For example, distinguish between 'memory' (RAM) and 'storage' (hard drive). Using correct terms shows depth of knowledge and avoids ambiguity.
- 💡In networking questions, practice subnetting and IP addressing until you can do it quickly. Examiners often include questions that require calculating subnet masks or identifying valid host addresses. Show your working to gain method marks even if the final answer is wrong.
Common Mistakes
Common errors to avoid in your coursework
- Misconfiguring VLAN assignments leading to connectivity issues.
- Forgetting to save configurations after changes.
- Incorrect ACL order causing unintended filtering.
- Misconfiguring VLAN assignments.
- Forgetting to save configurations.
- Applying ACLs in wrong order.
- Misconfiguring VLAN assignments leading to connectivity issues.
- Forgetting to save configurations after changes.
- Applying ACLs in the wrong direction or order.
- Forgetting to configure the native VLAN on trunk links, leading to mismatched VLANs and traffic drops.
- Applying an ACL to an interface but omitting the 'ip access-group' command direction, causing the filter to be ineffective.
- Confusing the root bridge election in STP by leaving priorities at default, resulting in unexpected convergence times.
- Neglecting to verify end-to-end connectivity after ACL deployment, missing blocked legitimate traffic.
- Misconfiguring VLAN assignments.
- Forgetting to enable routing protocols on interfaces.
- Incorrect ACL order causing unintended filtering.
- Misconfiguring VLAN assignments causing broadcast issues.
- Forgetting to enable routing on multilayer switches.
- Applying ACLs in the wrong direction or order.
- Misconfiguring trunk ports, such as forgetting to set the native VLAN or not allowing all necessary VLANs.
- Placing ACLs in the wrong direction or interface, causing unintended traffic blocking.
- Failing to save configurations, leading to loss of settings after reboot.
- Overlooking the need for routing protocols or static routes to enable inter-VLAN communication.
- Misconception: 'If a computer won't turn on, the power supply is always faulty.' Correction: While a faulty power supply is a common cause, other issues like a dead motherboard, loose cables, or a failed power button can also prevent booting. Always check connections and test components systematically.
- Misconception: 'Antivirus software is enough to keep a system secure.' Correction: Antivirus is just one layer of security. Students must also understand the importance of firewalls, regular updates, strong passwords, and safe browsing habits to protect against threats.
- Misconception: 'All network cables are the same.' Correction: Different categories (e.g., Cat5e, Cat6) support different speeds and frequencies. Using the wrong cable can limit network performance or cause connectivity issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Pass / Merit / Distinction Evidence Checklist
How your portfolio evidence is graded for CITY & GUILDS LIMITED Cisco Discovery Introducing Routing and Switching in the Enterprise
Every vocational unit is marked against named criteria rather than an exam percentage. Your tutor's brief lists the exact codes for this unit — here is what each band is asking you to do.
Pass (P)
Demonstrate baseline knowledge, accurate terminology, and core practical application.
Merit (M)
Provide detailed analysis, structured explanations, and clear workplace reasoning.
Distinction (D)
Deliver thorough evaluation, original problem solving, and fully justified recommendations.
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •Basic computer literacy: Familiarity with using a computer, navigating the operating system, and common software applications like word processors and web browsers.
- •Understanding of basic mathematics: Ability to perform simple calculations, as this is useful for topics like IP addressing and data storage units (bytes, kilobytes, etc.).
- •Communication skills: Good written and verbal English, as the course involves documenting support requests and interacting with users.
Coursework AI Review
Paste your assignment brief and check your draft against its P/M/D criteria
Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- Be able to configure a switched infrastructure, Be able to test and troubleshoot a routed and switched infrastructure, Understand traffic filtering and implement an solution
- Be able to configure a switched infrastructure, Be able to test and troubleshoot a routed and switched infrastructure, Understand traffic filtering and implement an solution
- Be able to configure a switched infrastructure, Be able to test and troubleshoot a routed and switched infrastructure, Understand traffic filtering and implement an solution
- VLAN and trunk configuration
- Inter-VLAN routing
- Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
- Troubleshooting Layer 2/3 issues
- Access control lists (ACLs)
- Network redundancy and resilience
- Be able to configure a switched infrastructure, Be able to test and troubleshoot a routed and switched infrastructure, Understand traffic filtering and implement an solution
- Be able to configure a switched infrastructure, Be able to test and troubleshoot a routed and switched infrastructure, Understand traffic filtering and implement an solution
- Switched infrastructure configuration
- Routed infrastructure configuration
- Troubleshooting methodologies
- Traffic filtering and ACLs
- Network testing and verification
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