Learning outcomes
- Explain the key principles of managed switches, vlans and network design.
- Carry out a structured practical check or configuration task.
- Recognise common faults, risks and evidence needed for diagnosis.
Module 9 · Lesson 2
Managed switches, VLANs and network design
Configure industrial switches, VLANs, redundancy, QoS, port security and time synchronisation.
Before you begin
Managed switch lab or approved configuration backup.
Safety: Use site procedures, approved test equipment and competent supervision. Never bypass a protection or interlock without formal control.
Step-by-step learning
- Create a management plan and back up the switch configuration first.
- Assign ports to documented VLANs and confirm trunk/access roles.
- Enable only the redundancy protocol designed for the topology.
- Check NTP/PTP time, link speed, errors and spanning-tree state.
Ian's practical tips:
- Never enable two competing loop-prevention methods without understanding the interaction.
- Unused ports should be disabled or assigned to a restricted VLAN.
Fault-finding questions
- What should be happening, and what evidence proves it?
- Where is the last known correct signal, voltage, state or process condition?
- What changed immediately before the fault?
- Can the system be divided into smaller testable sections?
Practical activity
Create a one-page test record for this lesson. Include expected values, measured results, equipment used, risks controlled, defects found and the final proven condition.