Switching and routing architectures, protocols, and functions are explained. For switching, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), Trill, Virtual LANs (VLANs), VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP), and inter-VLAN trunking are covered. For routing, static routing and dynamic routing protocols including RIP (version 1 and 2), OSPF, IS-IS, BGP, and Cisco’s EIGRP are examined. IPv4 subnetting, with and without classes, and IPv6 are analyzed. Software tools are used to simulate the operation and performance of protocols studied. A lab using switches and routers is used to provide hands-on, real world implementation of the simulated networks.