\subsection*{Practice 3.2: Switch Operations and Virtual Networks (Subtemas 3.3 y 3.4)}

\begin{objetivopractica}
The student will examine how bridges and switches operate by observing MAC address learning and frame filtering, while also exploring Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) for logical network segmentation. This practice will demonstrate how intelligent network devices improve performance through data link layer decisions and how VLANs provide network organization benefits.
\end{objetivopractica}

The practice begins with the student creating a new GNS3 project named "Switch Operations and VLANs." They will simulate bridge and switch operation while implementing basic VLAN configurations to understand logical network separation.

\definicion{bridge}{A network device that connects network segments and makes forwarding decisions based on MAC addresses}

\definicion{switch}{An advanced bridge that provides dedicated bandwidth to each port and learns device locations}

The student creates a basic switching scenario by placing one switch and four PCs in the GNS3 workspace. They connect all PCs to the switch ports, creating a switched network environment for observing MAC address learning and frame forwarding.

% \includegraphics[width=\textwidth]{figuras/captura32_switch_topology.png}

The student configures IP addresses on all PCs using the same network subnet to ensure they can communicate through the switch. They use addresses such as 192.168.1.10, 192.168.1.20, 192.168.1.30, and 192.168.1.40 for the four devices.

The practice includes observing MAC address learning by starting packet capture on the switch interfaces and generating communication between devices. The student examines how the switch initially floods frames to all ports but gradually learns device locations.

\definicion{MAC address learning}{The process by which bridges and switches build tables of device locations based on source addresses}

The student generates network traffic by performing ping tests between devices and observes how the switch forwards frames between ports while keeping local traffic optimized. They examine frame forwarding decisions made by the switch.

\definicion{frame filtering}{The process of preventing unnecessary frame transmission by keeping local traffic within appropriate segments}

% \href{https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXXXXXX}{Switch learning and VLAN configuration}

Using Wireshark captures, the student examines frame forwarding decisions made by the switch. They observe how frames destined for devices on specific ports are forwarded appropriately while broadcast frames reach all ports.

\definicion{frame forwarding}{The process of sending ethernet frames toward their intended destinations based on MAC address information}

The practice transitions to VLAN implementation with the student accessing the switch configuration interface. They create two VLANs: VLAN 10 for "Sales Department" and VLAN 20 for "Engineering Department."

\definicion{VLAN}{Virtual Local Area Network - a logical network segment created through software configuration rather than physical separation}

% \includegraphics[width=\textwidth]{figuras/captura32_vlan_config.png}

The student assigns two PCs to each VLAN by configuring the switch ports appropriately. They configure IP addresses that reflect VLAN membership, using 192.168.10.0/24 subnet for VLAN 10 devices and 192.168.20.0/24 subnet for VLAN 20 devices.

\definicion{VLAN assignment}{The process of associating switch ports with specific VLAN identifiers to control network access}

The student tests VLAN isolation by attempting ping communication between devices in the same VLAN and between devices in different VLANs. They observe that devices in the same VLAN can communicate while devices in different VLANs cannot reach each other.

\definicion{VLAN isolation}{The security feature that prevents communication between devices in different VLANs without routing}

The practice includes examining VLAN tagging by capturing traffic on switch links using Wireshark. The student observes how 802.1Q tags identify VLAN membership as frames travel through switch infrastructure.

\definicion{VLAN tagging}{A method of identifying VLAN membership by adding tags to ethernet frames}

% \includegraphics[width=\textwidth]{figuras/captura32_vlan_isolation.png}

The student examines broadcast domain segmentation created by VLANs. They generate broadcast traffic from devices in different VLANs and observe how VLANs create separate broadcast domains even on the same physical switch.

The practice includes examining the switch MAC address table by accessing simulated switch configuration interfaces. The student observes how the table populates with device locations as communication occurs and how VLAN information is maintained.

\definicion{MAC address table}{A database that switches maintain to track which devices connect to which ports and their VLAN membership}

The student investigates VLAN benefits by documenting how logical separation improves network security, reduces broadcast traffic, and enables flexible network organization without physical infrastructure changes.

The practice concludes with the student creating a comprehensive analysis of switch operation and VLAN implementation. They understand how switches provide intelligent forwarding while VLANs add logical segmentation capabilities for improved network management.

\begin{rubrica}
The student must submit a report containing clear evidence of completing the practice. The document should include screenshots, explanations of observations, and reflection on the learning achieved. The submission must demonstrate that the student understood the concept and was able to apply it with the indicated software.
\end{rubrica}

\subsection*{Suggested Report Format}

\textbf{Title:} Practice 3.2 - Switch Operations and Virtual Networks \\
\textbf{Objective:} Written by the student according to what they understood. \\
\textbf{Development:} Clear narration of actions performed. \\
\textbf{Evidence:} Screenshots or other data obtained. \\
\textbf{Conclusions:} Technical reflection on what was learned. \\
\textbf{Personal Opinion:} Student's free opinion about the usefulness or difficulty of the practice.