This session focused on core networking infrastructure concepts, starting with Routing, the process of forwarding packets between different networks based on IP addressing and routing tables.

We explored Routing Types, including:

Static Routing – manually configured routes, suitable for small or stable networks.

Dynamic Routing – automatically updated routes using routing protocols, ideal for scalable and complex environments.

Key Dynamic Routing Protocols were introduced, such as RIP, OSPF, and EIGRP, highlighting how they exchange routing information and determine optimal paths.

The session also covered NAT (Network Address Translation) and its role in conserving public IP addresses, enabling private network communication with external networks, and enhancing security abstraction.

On the switching side, we examined Switching fundamentals, including how switches operate at Layer 2 using MAC addresses. Different Switching Methods were discussed:

Store-and-Forward

Cut-Through

Fragment-Free

We then introduced VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) as a method for logically segmenting networks to improve performance and security, followed by Inter-VLAN Routing, which enables communication between separate VLANs using Layer 3 devices.

Finally, the session explored Advanced Switching Concepts and Protocols, including trunking (802.1Q), STP (Spanning Tree Protocol), and basic Layer 3 switching principles.

The objective was to provide a structured understanding of how modern enterprise networks manage traffic flow, segmentation, and scalability.