Redundancy and Load Balancing in LAN (RALAN)

Networking, Cisco

This course is for experienced network administrators who must ensure high availability of critical infrastructure, eliminating any single point of failure. You will learn to design resilient topologies and implement redundancy on Cisco devices for reliable operations.

The course covers both L2 and L3 techniques for load balancing, link aggregation, gateway redundancy and fast convergence. Emphasis is on practical work: hands-on labs and real-world case studies using Cisco features.

THIS TRAINING COURSE WILL HELP YOU:

  • Design and implement L2 redundancy and STP variants
  • Configure link aggregation and EtherChannel on Cisco devices
  • Deploy L3 gateway redundancy with HSRP, VRRP and GLBP
  • Implement multihoming and NIC teaming for physical and virtual servers

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

  • Experienced network administrators managing enterprise LANs
  • Network engineers responsible for availability and resilience
  • IT architects designing LAN switching and routing topologies
  • System administrators managing server multihoming and virtualization

COURSE LOCATION AND AVAILABLE DATES



Need this course in English?

Public courses are usually delivered in Czech, but this course is also available in English. We can arrange private training for your team online, at your premises or in our classrooms, and tailor the content to your needs.

For groups of around 4 or more participants, private training can already be comparable in price to booking individual places on a public course. Send us your requirements and we’ll recommend the best format and provide an exact quote.

Request training in English

Course content:

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  • Redundancy and load balancing at L2
    1. Redundant distribution-layer design for a switch block
    2. Protection against access uplink or distribution switch failure
    3. L2 loops: detection and mitigation
    4. STP principles and operation
    5. STP variants: 802.1d, PVST+, RSTP, MST
    6. STP acceleration and protection mechanisms
    7. Lab - implementing Cisco PVST+ and RSTP
  • Link aggregation
    1. Protection against individual link failure
    2. Link aggregation standards: 802.3ad, LACP, PAgP
    3. Load balancing across aggregated links
    4. Lab - implementing Cisco EtherChannel L2/L3
  • Default gateway redundancy
    1. Protecting against gateway failure
    2. Protocols: HSRP, VRRP, GLBP
    3. Traffic distribution strategies
    4. Lab - HSRP and VRRP in a switch block with Rapid-PVST+
  • Switch block redundancy design
    1. Traditional STP- and FHR-based models
    2. STP-independent designs
    3. Switch stacking: Cisco VSS & MEC, StackWise & cross-stack EC
    4. Local vs. spanned VLANs, routed access layer
    5. Lab - Cisco StackWise and cross-stack EtherChannel
  • Redundancy and load balancing at L3
    1. Routed vs. switched design concepts
    2. Routing protocol convergence considerations
    3. Equal and unequal-cost load balancing
    4. Connecting LAN to multiple ISPs, multihoming, BGP
    5. Lab - implementations in RIP, EIGRP, OSPF and BGP
  • Endpoint multihoming
    1. Bonding / NIC teaming concepts
    2. Redundant connections for physical servers
    3. Redundant connections for virtualized servers
    4. Lab - Linux, Windows and VMware ESXi multihoming
Prerequisites:
Network Basics I and II and Routing in LAN I and II.
Recommended previous course:
Basics of the TCP/IP Protocol (TCP1)
Schedule:
2 days (9:00-17:00)

Training and learning environment

IT classroom with desks, computer monitors, and a projection screen at the front.
What does the environment for in-person IT courses look like?We hold training courses in our own classrooms equipped with modern computer equipment for each participant and a large projection screen. Each workstation is fitted with a powerful computer for seamless practical exercises, and the environment supports a calm, friendly atmosphere during training.
IT classroom with desks, computer monitors, and a projection screen at the front.
Do I need to bring my own laptop to the classroom IT course?Our training rooms are fully equipped, so you do not need to bring your own laptop. A modern computer with all necessary hardware and software is ready for you at your workstation.
Sample ICT Pro certificate of successful completion of an IT training course.
Will you receive an official certificate after completing an IT course?Yes, upon successful completion of the training course, you will receive an official ICT Pro certificate confirming your participation and acquired technical skills. You can use it to verify your qualifications or add it to your professional profile.
Exterior view of the COMGUARD office building on Sochorova Street in Brno.
Where can you find our training center in Brno?The premises of the ICT Pro training center are located on the 1st floor of the COMGUARD building at Sochorova 38 in Brno. Positioned on the border of Žabovřesky and Komín, the location is easily accessible by both car and public transport.
Exterior view of the Opatov Park office building in Prague, Chodov.
Where can you find our training center in Prague?The premises of the ICT Pro training center are located on the 1st floor of the Opatov Park building at Líbalova 1, Prague 11 – Chodov. The location provides a comfortable environment for your education with convenient access.
Fully equipped kitchenette with a coffee machine, microwave, sink, and shelves with cups and glasses.
What facilities and refreshments are available to you during training breaks?Our training centers feature a fully equipped kitchenette for a comfortable break during your courses. The facilities include a coffee machine, microwave, kettle, and a wide selection of drinks and snacks.
Coffee station featuring an automatic coffee machine, yellow and white cups, glasses, and syrups.
What beverage refreshments are available during your course?A beverage station with a coffee machine, teas, syrups, and water is at your disposal throughout the entire training session. You can enjoy a coffee or another drink of your choice anytime during breaks.
Table with sweet pastries, fruit syrups, a water dispenser, and glasses set up for training participants.
What light refreshments are provided for you during the courses?During course breaks, participants can enjoy light sweet snacks, pastries, and fruit syrups to mix their own drinks. Fresh water dispenser and plates are also available for your convenience.
Wicker baskets filled with packaged savory snacks, sweet biscuits, and snack bars.
Should I bring my own snacks to ICT Pro training?There is no need to. A wide selection of savory snacks, sweet biscuits, and snack bars is available for you during breaks. Boost your energy for all-day focus right inside the training center premises.
Outdoor wooden terrace with green surroundings by the glass building of the training center.
Can you spend training breaks in the fresh air?Yes, an outdoor terrace is available at our training center. During breaks between learning sessions, you can relax in the fresh air in a pleasant green environment.
Spacious outdoor wooden terrace with seating and views of the surrounding area.
Where can you relax during course breaks?Our training center features a spacious outdoor terrace with seating options. During breaks between learning sessions, you can step outside to relax and recharge in the fresh air.