EtherChannel and Network Protocols

These flashcards cover key concepts related to EtherChannel, network protocols, and security measures in Ethernet networks.

EtherChannel

A link aggregation technology that groups multiple physical Ethernet links together into one single logical link, increasing bandwidth and providing redundancy.

Port Channel

The resulting virtual interface created when multiple physical interfaces are bundled together in an EtherChannel.

PAgP

Port Aggregation Protocol, a Cisco proprietary protocol that helps in the automatic creation of EtherChannel links by negotiating with adjoining switches.

LACP

Link Aggregation Control Protocol, an IEEE standard (802.3ad) that allows several physical ports to be bundled together to form a single logical channel.

Load Balancing in EtherChannel

The distribution of traffic among multiple links that are part of the same EtherChannel to improve overall throughput.

Redundancy

A system design that ensures continuity of service by providing backup components or paths, preventing service disruption in case of failure.

AutoNegotiation Protocols

Protocols such as PAgP and LACP that facilitate the negotiation of EtherChannel parameters between switches.

MAC Address Table Overflow

A type of attack that floods a switch with fake MAC addresses, causing it to fail to properly direct traffic.

Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI)

A security feature that helps prevent ARP spoofing and ARP poisoning attacks by ensuring that only valid ARP requests and responses are relayed.

DHCP Snooping

A security feature that prevents DHCP spoofing by filtering DHCP messages on untrusted ports and maintaining a DHCP binding table.

Port Security

A feature that restricts the number of valid MAC addresses on a port to mitigate MAC address table overflow attacks.

VLAN Hopping Attack

An attack that enables an attacker to send traffic from one VLAN to another without a router by manipulating trunking protocols.

HSRP (Hot Standby Router Protocol)

A Cisco proprietary FHRP designed to allow transparent failover of a first-hop IPv4 device in case of router failure.

First Hop Redundancy

A method of providing alternate default gateways in switched networks to prevent the loss of connectivity if the primary gateway fails.

Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)

A network protocol that ensures a loop-free topology in Ethernet networks by blocking redundant paths.

Rogue DHCP Server

An unauthorized DHCP server on a network that may provide incorrect IP configuration and lead to man-in-the-middle attacks.

Access Control Lists (ACLs)

A set of rules that control network traffic and reduce the exposure of resources to unauthorized users.

802.1X

A network protocol for port-based network access control, enabling authentication before devices can access the network.

ICMPv6

Internet Control Message Protocol for IPv6, used for sending error messages and operational queries.