This comprehensive CCIE-level task list covers complex Layer 2 & Layer 3 enterprise switching, security, QoS, automation, and advanced troubleshooting. These tasks will prepare you for real-world enterprise network designs and lab exams.

🟢 Section 1: Advanced VLAN & Trunking Architectures

Task 1.1 – Design and implement a scalable VLAN architecture for an enterprise network
Task 1.2 – Configure 802.1Q tunneling (Q-in-Q) for Metro Ethernet services
Task 1.3 – Implement VLAN Mapping for inter-provider VLAN normalization
Task 1.4 – Secure VLAN Trunks with VLAN Access Lists (VACLs)
Task 1.5 – Optimize Native VLAN security with strict tagging policies

🟢 Section 2: Mastering Spanning Tree & Redundancy

Task 2.1 – Design an MSTP (Multiple Spanning Tree) topology with proper VLAN-to-instance mapping
Task 2.2 – Tune STP Timers (Hello, Forward Delay, Max Age) for fast convergence
Task 2.3 – Deploy BPDU Root Guard, BPDU Filter, Loop Guard, and UDLD
Task 2.4 – Simulate root bridge failures and reconvergence behavior
Task 2.5 – Implement Flex-Link as an STP alternative for rapid failover
Task 2.6 – Troubleshoot STP reconvergence delays and suboptimal path selection

🟢 Section 3: Layer 2 Multipath with FabricPath & VXLAN

Task 3.1 – Configure FabricPath for data center leaf-spine architectures
Task 3.2 – Implement VXLAN with MP-BGP EVPN for network virtualization
Task 3.3 – Validate ECMP (Equal-Cost Multi-Path) load balancing
Task 3.4 – Configure and test Layer 2 VPNs over MPLS (EoMPLS, VPLS)

🟢 Section 4: Link Aggregation & Multi-Chassis Technologies

Task 4.1 – Configure LACP with fast timers for sub-second failover
Task 4.2 – Deploy vPC (Virtual Port Channel) on Nexus switches
Task 4.3 – Implement Cisco VSS (Virtual Switching System) for collapsed-core designs
Task 4.4 – Validate Multi-Chassis EtherChannel (MEC) performance

🟢 Section 5: Gateway Redundancy & Load Balancing

Task 5.1 – Configure HSRP, VRRP, and GLBP with load balancing
Task 5.2 – Tune preemption, priority, and timers for fast convergence
Task 5.3 – Implement object tracking for dynamic failover scenarios

🟢 Section 6: Advanced Layer 3 Switching & MPLS Integration

Task 6.1 – Design a hierarchical inter-VLAN routing solution
Task 6.2 – Implement L3 Switching with BGP, OSPF, and EIGRP
Task 6.3 – Configure MPLS L3 VPN on Layer 3 switches
Task 6.4 – Deploy BGP Traffic Engineering with Policy-Based Routing (PBR)

🟢 Section 7: Advanced Security for Enterprise Switching

Task 7.1 – Implement 802.1X with RADIUS authentication & dynamic VLAN assignment
Task 7.2 – Deploy CTS (Cisco TrustSec) with SGACLs
Task 7.3 – Secure control plane using CoPP (Control Plane Policing)
Task 7.4 – Configure Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI) & DHCP Snooping
Task 7.5 – Enforce IP Source Guard & MACSec for encryption

🟢 Section 8: Advanced QoS & Multicast Optimization

Task 8.1 – Implement QoS marking & shaping for VoIP, Video & Critical Traffic
Task 8.2 – Configure Hierarchical QoS (HQoS) with multiple levels of traffic prioritization
Task 8.3 – Optimize Multicast with IGMP Snooping, PIM Sparse Mode & MSDP
Task 8.4 – Implement MLD Snooping for IPv6 multicast optimization

🟢 Section 9: Network Automation & SDN Integration

Task 9.1 – Automate switch configurations using Python & Netmiko
Task 9.2 – Implement Ansible Playbooks for switch configuration
Task 9.3 – Deploy Cisco DNA Center for Intent-Based Networking (IBN)
Task 9.4 – Configure NETCONF & RESTCONF APIs for SDN automation

🟢 Section 10: Advanced Troubleshooting & Performance Optimization

Task 10.1 – Troubleshoot STP TCNs causing high CPU usage
Task 10.2 – Diagnose Microbursts & Congestion issues using QoS Monitoring
Task 10.3 – Debug CEF inconsistencies and TCAM overflow issues
Task 10.4 – Perform packet captures for deep analysis using ERSPAN
Task 10.5 – Optimize switch CPU performance under high BGP/MPLS loads

CCIE Switching Practical Tasks List