Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Exam

The 642-811 BCMSN is a qualifying exam for the Cisco Certified Network Professional CCNP® as well as the Cisco Certified Design Professional CCDP® certifications. The 642-811 BCMSN exam will certify that the successful candidate has important knowledge and skills necessary to implement scalable multilayer switched networks. The exam includes topics on describing and implementing advanced Spanning Tree concepts, VLANs and Inter-VLAN routing, High Availability, multicasting and specific security features in switched networks.

The following information provides general guidelines for the content likely to be included on this exam. However, other related topics may also appear on any specific delivery of the exam. In order to better reflect the contents of the exam and for clarity purposed the guidelines below may change at any time without notice.

Describe and implement Spanning Tree operation in a hierarchical network

• Describe and configure Spanning Tree, Rapid Spanning Tree, PVST+, PVRST, and MSTP
• Describe and configure Spanning Tree enhancements
• Configure link aggregation using PAgP or LACP
• Identify a Spanning Tree topology and verify operation

Describe and implement VLANs

• Describe best practices for VLAN implementation in the Enterprise Composite Model
• Describe and configure VLANs including, Native, Static, and Voice (Aux)
• Describe and configure VTP to distribute VLAN information
• Implement a voice VLAN (i.e. trust boundary and Catalyst queuing)
• Verify VLAN implementations

Describe and implement High Availability technologies and techniques

• Describe Spanning Tree behavior in high availability environments
• Implement 802.1s (MSTP) or PVRST for High Availability multi-layer switch environments
• Describe and configure gateway redundancy protocols (e.g. HSRP and GLBP)
• Verify High Availability configurations

Describe and implement InterVLAN routing

• Describe and configure Inter-VLAN routing in a LAN environment
• Describe the operation of CEF in a multi-layer switch environment
• Describe and configure SVI and routed ports on Catalyst switches
• Verify InterVLAN routing implementations

Describe and implement multicast forwarding

• Describe and configure IP multicast routing in a LAN environment using PIM-SM/DM/Sparse-Dense Mode
• Describe and verify IGMP and IGMP snooping on a Catalyst switch
• Describe multicast IP addressing to include Layer-3 to Layer-2 mapping
• Verify multicast operations

Describe and implement security features in a switched network

• Describe and configure VACLs, PACLs, Private VLANs, Port Security, and 802.1x
• Describe and configure AAA
• Verify security implementations

Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN) is the recommended training for this exam.

Courses listed are offered by Cisco Learning Partners—the only authorized source for Cisco IT training delivered exclusively by Certified Cisco Instructors. Check the List of Learning Partners for a Cisco Learning Partner nearest you.

A variety of Cisco Press titles may be available for this exam. These titles can be purchased through the Cisco Marketplace Bookstore, directly from Cisco Press.

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