Describe some important configuration options that may be commonly found with switches.

Understand Access Control Protocols: The two basic forms of medium access control protocols are CSMA/CD, which is found on star-wired bus local area networks, and CSMA/CA, which is found on wireless local area networks. Discuss the differences and similarities of these two protocols. Why would two be needed? Discuss why CSMA/CD would not be a good choice for a wireless network.
Price vs. Performance: Your Company is opening a new office and you have been selected to be the IT person. Money is tight and everything must be newly provisioned. Research the differences in all components, performance, and costs between 100-Mbps. LAN and 1000-Mbps LAN configurations.
Prepare a chart showing the performance and price difference.
Consider that you will be deploying in an office with 100 people, including a demanding General Manager. There is a “good amount” of file sharing within the office (which is what your boss said when you asked him that question).
Given the cost differences, which system would you recommend? Also, consider that everyone wants fast Internet (no external application serving will be taking place from the office), but there will be email.
Will your choice affect the Internet speed of the users?
Understand the network design process: Fully discuss the differences and similarities between a physical network design and a virtual design. Assess the overall importance of design when it comes to building network infrastructure.
Become an expert on switches: Switches are a very important component in any network. Describe the internal operation of a basic switch. How and why is it different than a hub? Provide as much detailed technical analysis of switch operation as you can find. Describe some important configuration options that may be commonly found with switches.