Training Layer 2 - Mastering Ethernet and VLANs in the Enterprise

$5,775

  • 5 days
  • Onsite
  • 10 people max.
Ref: OUR948
10 people max.
$5,775
In-company rate: from $10,395 for the whole team
On-site and certification exam on quote
5 days
Onsite

Don't let this gap widen

Why this program matters

  • Without Layer 2 mastery, 65% of enterprise network outages stem from faulty VLAN configurations, causing downtimes that cost an average of 5 600€ per hour according to Gartner.

  • Untrained teams waste 40% of their time on unnecessary troubleshooting, exposing the company to attacks such as VLAN hopping and STP loops that paralyze critical operations.

  • In 2024, 52% of network admin positions require these skills, risking layoffs or failed career transitions.

  • Every day without training widens a fatal competitive gap in IT infrastructure reliability.

Imed BEN AMOR, Learni trainer · Development expert
Imed BEN AMOR

Learni trainer · Development expert

73%productivity gap
×3cost of inaction
Flag of the United StatesBuilt for US teams
Payment by wire transferEnhanced confidentialityPerfect for companies with 50 to 500 employeesScheduling to fit any time zone

Trusted by — schools, companies and industrial groups

40,841 programs · 25 countries

  • Aptar
  • ArcelorMittal
  • Equans
  • EDF
  • Ubisoft
  • Microsoft

Every program built with a dedicated engineer

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Companies: Aptar, ArcelorMittal, Equans, EDF, Ubisoft and Microsoft.

Layer 2 training objectives

  • Master the fundamentals of Layer 2 for stable professional networks
  • Configure Ethernet switches and VLANs in a professional enterprise setting
  • Develop skills in switching and MAC addressing
  • Implement Layer 2 security against common attacks
  • Optimize network performance with STP and link aggregation
  • Diagnose and resolve Layer 2 failures in a professional context

Layer 2 curriculum: 5 modules over 5 days

Module 1 : Layer 2 Fundamentals: OSI model, Ethernet, and MAC addresses (Wireshark tools, basic configurations)

Introduction to the OSI model focused on Layer 2, exploration of Ethernet frames and MAC addresses using Wireshark to analyze real traffic, practical exercises in packet capture on a simulated network, initial configuration of Cisco or HP switch interfaces, creation of simple topologies with Ethernet cabling, production of a frame analysis report to validate knowledge and prepare for advanced configurations.

Module 2 : Layer 2 Switching: Switches and MAC tables (Cisco IOS, VLAN trunking exercises)

In-depth study of Layer 2 switch operations, learning dynamic MAC tables and intelligent flooding, hands-on practice with physical switches or emulators like Packet Tracer, configuration of access and trunk ports, basic inter-VLAN connectivity tests, resolution of MAC conflicts through guided exercises, development of a switching diagram for a typical enterprise network, with personalized feedback from the trainer.

Module 3 : Layer 2 VLANs: Segmentation and inter-VLAN routing (Cisco configs, isolated tests)

In-depth VLAN configuration for Layer 2 network segmentation, creation of multiple VLANs on switches, implementation of 802.1Q trunking with DTP negotiation, exercises on port mobility and VTP for automatic propagation, simulation of enterprise scenarios with isolated departments, validation via ping and Wireshark captures, production of a documented VLAN plan ready for professional deployment, enhancing security and performance.

Module 4 : Layer 2 Protocols: STP and Security (RSTP, Port Security, advanced configurations)

Mastery of Spanning Tree Protocol to prevent Layer 2 loops, configuration of rapid RSTP and priority root bridges, exercises on loop detection and convergence, addition of security with Port Security and MAC limiting, protection against STP attacks like BPDU Guard, practical cases on enterprise redundant topologies, generation of logs and alerts, completion of a resilient network with diagrams and verification scripts.

Module 5 : Layer 2 Practice: Troubleshooting and Optimization (show commands tools, red thread project)

Comprehensive diagnosis of Layer 2 failures using Cisco show and debug commands, resolution of VLAN, STP, and trunking issues via real enterprise scenarios, optimization of EtherChannel aggregation for bandwidth, performance tuning and monitoring exercises, completion of the red thread project with a functional Layer 2 network, presentation and code review by the trainer, delivery of a troubleshooting checklist for immediate production use.

How Layer 2 skills are assessed

  • Multiple-choice quiz to validate acquired knowledge at the end of the training
  • Continuous assessment through Layer 2 practical exercises
  • Defense of the red thread network project in front of the trainer

How the Layer 2 course is taught

  • Lessons delivered by a practicing network expert trainer
  • Practical exercises on physical switches and emulators
  • Progressive red thread project for a complete Layer 2 network
  • Complete course materials provided to each participant

Layer 2 training: access and practical arrangements

The Training Layer 2 - Mastering Ethernet and VLANs in the Enterprise program is delivered onsite or remote (blended-learning, virtual classroom, remote presence). At Learni, an industry-certified training organization, every program is built to maximize skills acquisition regardless of the chosen format.

The trainer alternates between demonstrative, interrogative and active methods (through hands-on labs and/or scenarios). This pedagogical approach guarantees concrete learning that's immediately applicable at work.

Equipment required

For the smooth delivery of the Training Layer 2 - Mastering Ethernet and VLANs in the Enterprise program, the following equipment is required:

  • Mac or PC computers, high-speed fiber internet, whiteboard or flipchart, projector or interactive touch screen (for remote sessions)
  • Training environments installed on workstations or accessible online
  • Course materials, hands-on exercises and complementary resources
  • Post-training access to materials and educational resources

For intra-company training on a site outside Learni, the client commits to providing all required teaching materials (computers, internet, etc.) for the smooth delivery of the program in line with the prerequisites in the communicated program.

* contact us for remote delivery feasibility** ratio varies depending on the program

Skills assessment methods

Assessment of skills acquired during the Training Layer 2 - Mastering Ethernet and VLANs in the Enterprise program is performed through:

  • During training: case studies, hands-on labs and professional scenarios
  • End of training: self-assessment questionnaire and skills evaluation by the trainer
  • After training: completion certificate detailing acquired skills

Program accessibility

Learni is committed to making its programs accessible. All our programs are accessible to people with disabilities. Our teams are available to adapt the pedagogical methods to your specific needs. Please contact us for any adjustment request.

Enrollment terms and lead times

Registration is possible up to 48 business hours before the start of training. All our programs are built for corporate L&D budgets and delivered onsite or remotely.

The Learni story

Founded by engineers and learning experts, Learni's mission is to make high-impact tech training accessible to teams everywhere. We work remotely with organizations across the US and Canada, in your time zone, to help teams upskill fast.

Our method

How Learni guarantees the quality of your Layer 2 training

Before, during, after: we frame the brief, introduce the trainer, tailor the content and measure impact. You stay in control from kickoff to wrap-up.

Step 1

Rigorous trainer selection

Each trainer is validated on three criteria: hands-on field expertise, proven pedagogy and alignment with your industry.

  • Triple validation: technical, pedagogical, sectoral.
  • Minimum rating 4.8/5 over the last 12 sessions.
Step 2

You meet the trainer beforehand

30-minute video call between you and the selected trainer to validate the fit, adjust content and clear any final doubts.

  • Live briefing on goals and team context.
  • Veto right — we swap the trainer for free if needed.
Step 3

Content tailored to your context

No recycled slides. The syllabus is reworked from your real cases: tools, constraints, vocabulary, ongoing projects.

  • Hands-on cases drawn from your stack and projects.
  • Program co-written then validated by your team.
Step 4

Continuous quality follow-up

Live evaluations, 30/90/180-day check-ins and a consolidation plan. If the impact misses the mark, we rework it.

  • NPS, knowledge quizzes and skills self-assessment.
  • Satisfaction guarantee: fully satisfied or free rework.

A simple promise: you don't pay to discover the trainer on day one. Everything is validated upfront, by you.

A child walking to school with a backpack
Our social commitment

A school kit donated to a child for every training booked

To fight inequalities in access to education, Learni donates a complete school kit to a child in need for every training booked. You build your skills, a child heads back to school.

  • Backpack, notebooks and essential supplies
  • Distributed through our partner charities
  • Included, at no extra cost to you
Enroll and offer a kit
FAQ

Layer 2: frequently asked questions

Which tools are used in Layer 2 training?+
Hands-on work runs on wireshark tools, basic configurations, cisco IOS, VLAN trunking exercises, cisco configs and isolated tests. Those tools come from the Layer 2 program itself, delivered on site over 5 days, so participants practise on the stack they will use at work.
What can participants do after Layer 2 training?+
They can master the fundamentals of Layer 2 for stable professional networks, configure Ethernet switches and VLANs in a professional enterprise setting and develop skills in switching and MAC addressing. Those are the stated objectives of the Layer 2 program at Beginner level, checked by the end-of-session assessment.
What does the Layer 2 program cover, day by day?+
Day 1: Layer 2 Fundamentals: OSI model, Ethernet, and MAC addresses (Wireshark tools, basic configurations). Day 2: Layer 2 Switching: Switches and MAC tables (Cisco IOS, VLAN trunking exercises). Day 3: Layer 2 VLANs: Segmentation and inter-VLAN routing (Cisco configs, isolated tests). Day 4: Layer 2 Protocols: STP and Security (RSTP, Port Security, advanced configurations). Day 5: Layer 2 Practice: Troubleshooting and Optimization (show commands tools, red thread project). The Layer 2 program runs over 5 days, delivered on site.
How is Layer 2 training assessed?+
Assessment relies on multiple-choice quiz to validate acquired knowledge at the end of the training, continuous assessment through Layer 2 practical exercises and defense of the red thread network project in front of the trainer. Learni issues a completion certificate together with the individual assessment report at the end of the Layer 2 program, which an L&D team can file as evidence.
How much does Layer 2 training cost per participant?+
Layer 2 training costs $5,775 per participant. For an in-company team, the flat rate starts at $10,395 for the whole group, up to 8 people. The detailed quote, sent within one business day, adjusts the amount to the format and how far the syllabus is tailored to your team.
How long does Layer 2 training take?+
5 days, available live online (US time zones) or on-site at your offices. Half-day tracks spread over several weeks are possible so the team stays operational.
Who pays for Layer 2 training?+
Most US teams pay directly through their company L&D or training budget. Learni invoices in US dollars and accepts bank transfer (ACH/wire) or card, with volume pricing for teams. A purchase order is welcome.
What do participants need to know before Layer 2 training?+
Basic knowledge of computing, TCP/IP, and computer use.
Is a certificate issued after Layer 2 training?+
Yes. A Learni completion certificate is issued, along with the individual evaluation report. Learni is a certified training provider and prepares for third-party certifications, but does not award them itself.
Does Learni provide the equipment for Layer 2 training?+
No. A computer and a stable internet connection are required for each participant. Learni provides the learning platform, the trainer and all course materials.
Your professional training, anywhere

Let's build your Layer 2 learning path.

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