Advanced Switching, Routing and MPLS Training Course

Introduction

In digital ecosystem, efficient switching, routing, and advanced networking techniques form the backbone of enterprise communication and service delivery. As organizations scale operations and adopt hybrid and cloud-based solutions, the ability to optimize, secure, and manage traffic across large-scale networks has become an essential skill for IT professionals.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of advanced switching and routing concepts, focusing on protocols, architectures, and strategies for building resilient and high-performance networks. Participants will gain technical mastery of technologies such as MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching), which enables scalable and efficient traffic management for enterprises and service providers alike.

Beyond foundational knowledge, the course emphasizes real-world applications, troubleshooting, and performance optimization. Learners will examine advanced protocol configurations, redundancy mechanisms, and traffic engineering, equipping them to manage complex networking environments effectively.

Emerging topics are also addressed, including SD-WAN integration, IPv6 routing, network automation, and MPLS in next-generation infrastructures. With enterprises increasingly relying on seamless, low-latency connectivity, these advanced skills are critical for ensuring digital resilience and efficiency.

Through practical labs, simulations, and case studies, participants will test their skills in real-world scenarios. This hands-on approach ensures that they are not just learning concepts but also gaining confidence in applying advanced techniques to complex networking challenges.

By the end of the program, participants will be equipped to design, implement, secure, and optimize enterprise and carrier-grade networks, driving digital transformation and supporting organizational growth.

Who Should Attend

• Network Engineers and Administrators managing enterprise infrastructures.
• Systems Engineers and IT Specialists focusing on routing and switching.
• Telecommunications and ISP Professionals working with MPLS networks.
• IT Consultants and Solutions Architects designing scalable infrastructures.
• Cybersecurity and Risk Professionals requiring expertise in traffic engineering.
• Advanced learners preparing for professional certifications (CCNP/CCIE).

Duration

10 Days

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Design and implement advanced switching and routing architectures.
• Configure and optimize complex routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, EIGRP).
• Deploy and manage MPLS-based networks for scalability and efficiency.
• Apply traffic engineering and QoS techniques to optimize performance.
• Troubleshoot advanced switching and routing issues effectively.
• Integrate IPv6 routing strategies for future-ready infrastructures.
• Secure enterprise networks through advanced routing policies and firewalls.
• Implement redundancy and failover strategies for business continuity.
• Apply automation to routing, switching, and MPLS environments.
• Align enterprise routing strategies with digital transformation goals.
• Analyze and monitor MPLS performance using advanced tools.
• Design and maintain carrier-grade networks for ISPs and large enterprises.

Comprehensive Course Outline

Module 1: Advanced Switching Concepts

• VLANs, trunking, and inter-VLAN routing
• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) enhancements
• Layer 2 security features and challenges
• Switch virtualization and stacking

Module 2: Routing Fundamentals Review

• Static and dynamic routing recap
• Advanced subnetting and summarization
• Dual-stack IPv4/IPv6 operations
• Route redistribution basics

Module 3: OSPF Deep Dive

• OSPF multi-area configuration
• LSA types and flooding control
• OSPF authentication and security
• Troubleshooting OSPF convergence

Module 4: BGP Essentials

• Internal vs. External BGP
• BGP path selection and attributes
• Route reflectors and confederations
• BGP security and best practices

Module 5: EIGRP Advanced Concepts

• EIGRP metrics and path selection
• Route summarization in EIGRP
• Authentication and loop prevention
• Troubleshooting advanced EIGRP

Module 6: MPLS Fundamentals

• MPLS architecture and label distribution
• Forwarding equivalence classes (FECs)
• LDP vs. RSVP signaling
• Benefits of MPLS over traditional IP

Module 7: MPLS Traffic Engineering

• Traffic engineering concepts and use cases
• Constraint-based routing
• MPLS-TE tunnels configuration
• QoS in MPLS environments

Module 8: MPLS VPNs

• Layer 2 and Layer 3 MPLS VPNs
• MPLS VPN topologies and applications
• Route targets and route distinguishers
• MPLS VPN security considerations

Module 9: IPv6 Advanced Routing

• IPv6 addressing and subnetting
• OSPFv3, BGP4+, and IPv6 EIGRP
• IPv6 transition mechanisms
• IPv6 and MPLS integration

Module 10: Redundancy and High Availability

• HSRP, VRRP, and GLBP protocols
• Link aggregation and EtherChannel
• Network resilience strategies
• Failover and load balancing

Module 11: Network Automation and Orchestration

• Automating routing and switching with Python
• Infrastructure as Code (IaC) in networks
• APIs and network programmability
• Automation in MPLS and SD-WAN

Module 12: Security in Advanced Routing and MPLS

• Securing routing protocols
• Control plane policing and filtering
• MPLS VPN security measures
• Firewalls and intrusion prevention

Module 13: SDN and SD-WAN Integration

• SDN concepts applied to routing and switching
• SD-WAN with MPLS backbones
• Orchestrators and controllers
• Benefits and challenges of SDN adoption

Module 14: Network Monitoring and Troubleshooting

• SNMP, NetFlow, and telemetry
• MPLS performance monitoring
• Troubleshooting with traceroute and ping
• Real-time diagnostics tools

Module 15: Carrier-Grade Networking

• ISP-level architecture design
• MPLS for service providers
• QoS in carrier-grade networks
• Customer edge (CE) and provider edge (PE) roles

Module 16: Future Trends in Networking

• Segment routing and SR-MPLS
• Intent-based networking
• AI/ML-driven routing optimization

·       Green and sustainable networking

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com Tel: +254 721 331 808

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Upskill Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Upskill certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com, +254 721 331 808

Terms of Payment

Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 3 working days before commencement of the training so as to enable us to prepare better.