300-135: CCNP Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP Networks (TSHOOT v2.0) certification video training course by prepaway along with practice test questions and answers, study guide and exam dumps provides the ultimate training package to help you pass.

Cisco CCNP 300-135 TSHOOT: Full Troubleshooting Course

Course Overview

The Cisco CCNP TSHOOT exam (code 300-135) is a crucial certification for network professionals aiming to prove their troubleshooting expertise in Cisco enterprise networks. This course is designed to prepare you thoroughly for this exam while building the practical skills needed to handle real-world network issues confidently.

Troubleshooting is one of the most critical skills in IT networking. Networks are complex systems with many interconnected components, and when problems arise, quick and accurate resolution is vital to avoid costly downtime. This course focuses on empowering you with structured troubleshooting methods, deep knowledge of Cisco technologies, and hands-on practice.

You will learn how to approach network problems logically, analyze symptoms, and isolate root causes in Layer 2 and Layer 3 networks, VPNs, and infrastructure services. The course blends theory with labs and scenarios that mirror what you will encounter in your career.

About the Exam

The Cisco 300-135 TSHOOT exam tests your ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and resolve complex network issues using Cisco tools and commands. It is the final exam in the CCNP Routing and Switching certification path.

The exam challenges your skills in diagnosing Layer 2 and Layer 3 issues, understanding VPN technologies, and managing infrastructure services like DHCP and DNS. You must demonstrate proficiency in using diagnostic commands and a structured troubleshooting methodology.

Exam questions often simulate real network problems, requiring you to identify faults, select corrective actions, and verify solutions. Hands-on experience and a clear understanding of Cisco IOS commands are essential for success.

Key Learning Areas

This course covers the core knowledge domains defined by Cisco for the TSHOOT exam. These include network principles, Layer 2 troubleshooting, Layer 3 troubleshooting, VPN technologies, infrastructure services, and maintenance.

You will learn how to troubleshoot VLAN problems such as mismatched trunk configurations or spanning-tree issues. Routing troubles, including OSPF area misconfigurations and EIGRP neighbor failures, will be addressed through detailed examples.

VPN troubleshooting will cover GRE tunnel failures and IPsec issues. You will explore how to fix DHCP failures, NAT problems, and DNS resolution errors. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on the systematic use of troubleshooting commands and tools to isolate faults efficiently.

Who Should Take This Course

This training is designed for networking professionals who want to advance their Cisco certification and practical troubleshooting skills. It is ideal for individuals who have completed the CCNA certification or have equivalent networking experience.

Network engineers, support specialists, and administrators who work with Cisco equipment and want to improve their fault isolation and resolution capabilities will find this course invaluable. It also suits those aiming to pass the 300-135 exam and achieve the CCNP Routing and Switching certification.

Even if you are already working in network operations or technical support roles, this course will enhance your ability to diagnose and fix complex network issues faster and more accurately.

Prerequisites for Success

Before starting this course, you should have foundational knowledge of networking. Familiarity with basic Cisco IOS commands, VLANs, routing protocols (such as OSPF and EIGRP), and network addressing is essential.

Hands-on experience with Cisco routers and switches will help you absorb the material better. A working knowledge of subnetting, routing concepts, and Layer 2 switching is highly recommended.If you are not yet comfortable with the Cisco IOS CLI, it is advised to review CCNA-level materials or use simulator tools to build your confidence.

A lab environment—whether physical devices or simulators like Cisco Packet Tracer, GNS3, or Cisco VIRL—is highly beneficial. Practical labs provide the opportunity to apply what you learn and reinforce troubleshooting techniques.

Troubleshooting Fundamentals

At the core of this course is the Cisco structured troubleshooting approach. It emphasizes methodical problem-solving rather than guesswork.You will learn how to identify symptoms, define the problem scope, collect data using Cisco IOS commands, and isolate the fault domain. The process involves hypothesis testing, verification, and documentation.Effective troubleshooting requires understanding dependencies between network layers and technologies. For example, a routing problem could stem from Layer 2 issues or misconfigured infrastructure services.You will also explore common troubleshooting mistakes and best practices to avoid them, improving your efficiency and accuracy in real environments.

Cisco IOS Tools and Commands

Cisco IOS offers a rich set of diagnostic commands essential for troubleshooting. Throughout this course, you will become proficient in commands like show, debug, ping, traceroute, and others.You will learn how to interpret outputs from show interface, show ip route, show spanning-tree, and how to use debug commands safely.Learning to read and understand these outputs will help you quickly identify interface errors, routing inconsistencies, protocol neighbor states, and service availability.Proper use of these commands is critical, especially in live environments where excessive debugging can impact network performance.

The Importance of Documentation and Communication

Troubleshooting is not only technical but also involves clear documentation and communication.You will be encouraged to maintain a troubleshooting log or journal where you record symptoms, steps taken, commands issued, and resolutions.This documentation helps track recurring problems, communicate effectively with teams, and build a knowledge base for future reference.Good communication skills are necessary when escalating issues or coordinating with other teams, especially in enterprise environments.

Real-World Troubleshooting Challenges

In actual network environments, problems are rarely isolated. Multiple faults may occur simultaneously or intermittently.This course prepares you to handle such challenges by teaching prioritization, impact analysis, and managing troubleshooting workflows under pressure.You will study how to approach network outages methodically, restore services quickly, and verify fixes to prevent recurrences.Understanding organizational processes like change management and incident handling is also covered, ensuring you are prepared for real operational settings.

Preparing Your Lab Environment

To practice effectively, you need a lab environment that simulates real Cisco network devices.You can use physical routers and switches or virtual platforms like Cisco Packet Tracer, GNS3, or VIRL. Each platform has pros and cons, but all allow you to create network topologies, configure devices, and inject faults.Setting up a basic topology with multiple routers and switches is recommended. Start simple, then add complexity as you progress.Regular practice in your lab is key to reinforcing your understanding and gaining confidence in troubleshooting.

Setting Your Study Plan

Achieving success requires a consistent study plan.Allocate specific hours weekly for theory study, lab practice, and reviewing exam topics. Balance reading Cisco documentation, watching tutorials, and hands-on labs.Use practice exams to assess your readiness and identify weak areas.Join Cisco community forums or study groups to exchange ideas, ask questions, and learn from others’ experiences.Keep revisiting the exam blueprint to ensure you cover all topics thoroughly.

Introduction to Troubleshooting Methodologies

Effective troubleshooting is not about guesswork or trial and error. It requires a structured and logical approach to identify and resolve network issues efficiently. Cisco emphasizes a systematic troubleshooting methodology designed to minimize downtime and prevent network outages from escalating. This part of the course focuses on Cisco’s troubleshooting models and best practices. You will learn how to apply a consistent process to any network fault, reducing time spent guessing and increasing your success rate. Troubleshooting methodologies help you break down complex problems into manageable parts. By isolating specific domains such as Layer 2, Layer 3, or infrastructure services, you target the root cause more quickly. Understanding these methodologies is critical because the 300-135 exam tests your ability to analyze and fix problems systematically.

The Structured Troubleshooting Process

Cisco recommends following a defined process that consists of several phases. First, you gather symptoms to understand what the user or system reports. Then, you develop a theory of probable cause. Next, you test your hypothesis by gathering data using Cisco IOS commands. If the hypothesis is proven wrong, you revisit the symptoms and adjust your theory. Once you isolate the root cause, you implement a fix, verify the solution, and document your actions for future reference. This structured cycle ensures troubleshooting is deliberate and organized. Documenting each step provides clarity, improves communication, and helps when problems reoccur.

Gathering Symptoms and Defining the Problem

The first step in troubleshooting is listening carefully to the reported symptoms. Symptoms might include slow network performance, intermittent connectivity, or complete service outages. You need to ask specific questions to narrow down the problem. Understanding the scope—such as whether the issue affects a single user, a department, or the entire network—is essential. Collecting accurate symptom descriptions helps you define the problem domain and avoid chasing irrelevant leads. Sometimes symptoms may be misleading, so patience and thoroughness are important.

Formulating Hypotheses

Based on symptoms, you generate possible causes. This step is hypothesis formulation—essentially educated guesses based on experience and knowledge. For example, if users can’t reach a server, possible causes might be a routing issue, firewall misconfiguration, or server outage. Creating multiple hypotheses prevents tunnel vision and keeps troubleshooting flexible. Each hypothesis guides the commands and tests you will perform next.

Data Collection Using Cisco IOS Commands

Testing your hypotheses requires gathering data from network devices. Cisco IOS provides a powerful suite of commands to verify device status, configurations, and protocol states. Commands such as show interface reveal interface errors and status. show ip route helps verify routing tables and paths. show spanning-tree exposes Layer 2 topology issues. Using ping and traceroute can confirm connectivity and path integrity. debug commands provide real-time information but should be used cautiously in production environments due to their resource impact. Learning to interpret command output is critical for accurate diagnosis.

Isolating the Fault Domain

Once data is collected, you narrow the fault domain—identifying exactly where in the network the issue resides. You isolate the problem by segmenting the network logically or physically. For example, if a routing table looks correct but packets fail, the fault might be at Layer 2 or in infrastructure services. If a VLAN is misconfigured, the issue might be limited to a single switch or trunk link. By isolating domains, you reduce troubleshooting scope and avoid wasting time checking unaffected devices.

Testing and Verification

After isolating the probable cause, you test fixes carefully. This could be applying a configuration change, restarting a service, or correcting a cable connection. Once a fix is applied, verify the network behavior using commands and user feedback. Verification ensures that the solution works and that no other network parts are negatively affected. Testing also includes checking logs and monitoring devices for stability over time.

Documenting the Troubleshooting Process

Clear documentation of symptoms, hypotheses, commands run, and solutions is essential. Documentation helps maintain a knowledge base for future issues and supports communication with other teams. In enterprise environments, formal incident reports and post-mortem analyses are standard. By recording troubleshooting details, you improve your professional approach and reduce repeated mistakes.

Common Troubleshooting Tools

Beyond Cisco IOS commands, several tools assist in network diagnosis. Network analyzers capture and decode traffic for deep packet inspection. Syslog servers collect and centralize device logs, allowing you to correlate events. SNMP monitoring platforms alert you to abnormal device behavior and resource utilization. Familiarity with these tools complements CLI diagnostics and enhances your troubleshooting arsenal.

Understanding Layered Troubleshooting

Networks operate across layers defined by the OSI model. Troubleshooting layered networks requires understanding dependencies. Issues in lower layers, such as physical or data link, can manifest as problems in higher layers. For example, a faulty cable (Layer 1) can cause routing protocol failures (Layer 3). Effective troubleshooting progresses from physical layer checks upward, ruling out simple faults before addressing complex ones.

Troubleshooting Layer 2

Layer 2 problems often cause broadcast storms, VLAN mismatches, or spanning-tree loops. Understanding switch port states, trunking, and VLAN membership is critical. You will use commands like show vlan, show interfaces trunk, and show spanning-tree to identify Layer 2 faults. Common problems include incorrect VLAN tagging, native VLAN mismatches, and port security violations. Resolving Layer 2 issues often restores connectivity quickly.

Troubleshooting Layer 3

Layer 3 troubleshooting focuses on routing protocols and IP addressing. You will troubleshoot OSPF neighbor relationships, EIGRP adjacencies, and BGP sessions. show ip route, show ip protocols, and show ip ospf neighbor are key commands. Issues such as mismatched routing metrics, missing routes, or authentication failures are common. Understanding route redistribution and summarization helps resolve complex Layer 3 problems.

VPN Troubleshooting

VPNs provide secure connectivity but can be complex to configure and troubleshoot. This course covers GRE tunnel issues, IPsec VPN negotiation failures, and routing over VPNs. You will learn to verify tunnel interfaces, check security associations, and troubleshoot authentication. Commands like show crypto isakmp sa and show crypto ipsec sa are essential. VPN troubleshooting also involves verifying ACLs and firewall rules.

Infrastructure Services Troubleshooting

Network infrastructure services such as DHCP, DNS, and NAT are essential for proper network operation. DHCP troubleshooting involves checking scope configurations, lease allocations, and relay agents. DNS issues may include misconfigured zones or resolution failures. NAT troubleshooting requires understanding address translation, overloads, and ACLs affecting translations. Tools like show ip dhcp binding, show ip nat translations, and DNS lookup commands help diagnose these issues.

Troubleshooting Network Management Tools

Effective troubleshooting includes using network management platforms. These tools provide alerts, device status, and performance metrics. You will learn how to interpret SNMP traps, syslog messages, and network monitoring dashboards. Proactive monitoring helps detect issues before users report them. Integrating management tools with troubleshooting methodologies improves response times.

Troubleshooting Scenarios and Practice

This course includes practical scenarios that simulate common and complex network problems. You will work through fault isolation steps, apply fixes, and verify outcomes. These hands-on exercises build your confidence and prepare you for the exam’s troubleshooting tickets. Practice scenarios cover multiple layers and technologies, requiring you to combine your knowledge comprehensively.

Best Practices for Troubleshooting Success

Effective troubleshooting requires patience, methodical thinking, and continuous learning. Avoid rushing to conclusions or changing configurations without analysis. Use a step-by-step approach and validate each hypothesis carefully. Maintain detailed notes and learn from each troubleshooting session. Stay updated on Cisco technology changes and new commands. Participate in communities and forums to share experiences and solutions.

VLANs and VLAN Troubleshooting

Virtual LANs or VLANs logically segment a network into broadcast domains. VLANs improve security and reduce broadcast traffic. Each VLAN acts like a separate physical network, but devices can communicate only if they are in the same VLAN or routed between VLANs by Layer 3 devices. Problems with VLAN configuration are among the most common Layer 2 issues. Common VLAN issues include VLAN mismatches, incorrect VLAN assignment on ports, and native VLAN mismatches on trunks.

You will learn to verify VLAN configurations using commands like show vlan, show vlan brief, and show interfaces switchport. These commands reveal which VLANs are active on switches, the ports assigned to each VLAN, and trunk port status. Identifying ports that are not assigned to the correct VLAN can quickly resolve connectivity problems. VLAN mismatches on trunks cause traffic not to flow correctly between switches. Troubleshooting requires checking trunk configurations, native VLAN settings, and allowed VLAN lists.

Trunking Concepts and Troubleshooting

Trunk links carry traffic for multiple VLANs between switches. Cisco switches use IEEE 802.1Q encapsulation to tag frames with VLAN identifiers. Trunks must be configured correctly on both ends for VLAN traffic to pass seamlessly. Common trunking issues include misconfigured trunk ports, native VLAN mismatches, and allowed VLAN list restrictions. These can cause VLAN traffic to be dropped or misrouted.

Use the show interfaces trunk command to verify trunk status and VLANs allowed on trunks. The command output indicates which ports are trunking, which VLANs are passing, and the native VLAN configured. You will also check the show interfaces switchport command to confirm trunk mode and native VLAN. Misconfigurations in these settings often explain why devices in certain VLANs cannot communicate across switches.

Understanding Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)

Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) prevents loops in Layer 2 networks. It logically blocks redundant paths and maintains a loop-free topology. Cisco uses Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) as a faster convergence alternative to traditional STP. STP issues often manifest as network outages, broadcast storms, or intermittent connectivity. Troubleshooting STP requires understanding bridge priorities, root bridges, port roles, and states.

You will learn commands such as show spanning-tree, show spanning-tree detail, and show spanning-tree vlan [vlan-id] to gather information about the spanning tree topology. These commands reveal which switch is the root bridge, which ports are forwarding or blocking, and if any ports are in error-disabled state. Identifying incorrect root bridge placement or unexpected blocking ports can resolve Layer 2 outages.

Troubleshooting Common STP Problems

Common problems in STP include root bridge misplacement, inconsistent STP versions, and misconfigured portfast. If the root bridge is not where expected, traffic may take suboptimal paths, causing congestion or loops. Mismatched STP versions between switches can cause instability. Misconfigured portfast ports on switches connected to other switches can cause topology changes and reconvergence storms.

When troubleshooting, you will analyze the root bridge election using bridge priority and MAC addresses. Adjusting bridge priority can influence which switch becomes the root. Ensuring consistent STP versions and enabling portfast only on access ports connected to end devices prevents problems.

Port Security and Troubleshooting

Port security restricts access to switch ports based on MAC addresses. It enhances security by limiting which devices can connect to a port. Port security misconfigurations can cause ports to go into error-disabled state or prevent legitimate devices from connecting. You will learn to configure and troubleshoot port security settings such as maximum MAC addresses, violation modes, and static or dynamic MAC address assignments.

The command show port-security interface [interface-id] shows port security status, including violations and secured addresses. If a port is error-disabled due to a security violation, you will learn how to identify the cause and recover the port using the shutdown and no shutdown interface commands.

EtherChannel and Troubleshooting

EtherChannel bundles multiple physical links into a single logical link to increase bandwidth and provide redundancy. Incorrect EtherChannel configuration can cause traffic loss, misrouting, or loops. Common issues include mismatched EtherChannel modes, inconsistent port configurations, and load balancing problems.

You will learn to verify EtherChannel status with show etherchannel summary and show interfaces port-channel. These commands reveal which ports are bundled, their status, and load balancing methods. Troubleshooting involves checking that all ports in the EtherChannel have the same speed, duplex, and VLAN membership. You also verify the negotiation protocol, either PAgP or LACP, is consistent on both ends.

Layer 2 Security Best Practices

Securing Layer 2 networks is critical to prevent attacks such as MAC flooding, VLAN hopping, and spoofing. This section covers best practices such as enabling port security, configuring BPDU guard to protect STP, and disabling unused ports. Implementing storm control to limit broadcast and multicast traffic prevents denial of service conditions caused by traffic floods.

You will also learn about DHCP snooping, which prevents unauthorized DHCP servers, and Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI), which protects against ARP spoofing. These security mechanisms rely on proper VLAN and IP address bindings and help maintain network integrity.

Troubleshooting VLAN Trunk Protocol (VTP)

VTP manages VLAN configuration consistency across switches. Misconfigured VTP domains, passwords, or versions cause VLAN inconsistencies. These inconsistencies can lead to VLANs disappearing or traffic not forwarding correctly.

You will use show vtp status to verify the VTP domain, mode, and version. Troubleshooting involves ensuring all switches in the domain use compatible VTP versions, the correct domain name, and matching passwords. Understanding VTP pruning helps optimize traffic flow and prevent unnecessary VLAN flooding.

Diagnosing Broadcast Storms and Loops

Broadcast storms result from Layer 2 loops, causing network congestion and outages. Symptoms include high CPU utilization on switches and slow network performance. Diagnosing broadcast storms requires analyzing STP topology, port statistics, and error counters.

You will use commands such as show interfaces, show spanning-tree, and show mac address-table to identify loops or excessive broadcasts. Mitigation techniques include enabling storm control, verifying STP configurations, and physically inspecting cabling.

Using Cisco IOS Commands for Layer 2 Troubleshooting

Cisco IOS provides a robust set of commands essential for Layer 2 troubleshooting. Understanding the output and context of these commands is crucial for diagnosing problems. Commands such as show mac address-table display the MAC addresses learned on switch ports. This helps determine if devices are correctly forwarding frames.

show interfaces status and show interfaces counters errors reveal physical and data link layer issues such as errors, collisions, and interface status. show running-config verifies VLAN and trunking configurations. Combining these commands offers a holistic view of Layer 2 health.

Case Study: Troubleshooting a VLAN Mismatch

Consider a scenario where users in VLAN 20 on one switch cannot reach users in the same VLAN on another switch. Initial tests show physical connectivity but no communication. Using show interfaces trunk, you find the trunk between switches is active but only allows VLANs 10 and 30. VLAN 20 is missing from the allowed list. Adding VLAN 20 to the trunk allowed VLANs restores connectivity.

This case highlights the importance of verifying trunk VLAN memberships when troubleshooting VLAN connectivity issues.

Case Study: Resolving a Spanning Tree Loop

In another example, a switch experiences intermittent outages and high CPU usage. Using show spanning-tree, you detect a port in a forwarding state that should be blocked. Further investigation shows a misconnected cable causing a loop. Disconnecting the cable resolves the loop, and normal operations resume.

This illustrates how physical topology issues impact STP and network stability.

Layer 2 Troubleshooting Labs and Exercises

Practical exercises are invaluable for mastering Layer 2 troubleshooting. This course includes labs where you configure VLANs, trunks, and EtherChannels. You simulate problems such as VLAN mismatches, port security violations, and spanning tree issues. Working through these labs helps develop the skills needed to quickly identify and resolve Layer 2 faults in exam and production environments.

Preparing for Layer 2 Questions on the TSHOOT Exam

The TSHOOT exam includes questions and simulations focused on Layer 2 troubleshooting. Expect scenarios involving VLAN issues, STP misconfigurations, and EtherChannel problems. You must interpret command outputs, identify symptoms, and propose effective solutions. Hands-on practice with Cisco devices or simulators is highly recommended.

Layer 2 Troubleshooting Essentials

Mastering Layer 2 troubleshooting involves understanding VLANs, trunking, STP, port security, and EtherChannel. You must know the common problems and commands to diagnose them. This knowledge forms the basis for resolving many network outages and is critical for the CCNP TSHOOT exam. Consistent practice and experience are key to becoming proficient.

Prepaway's 300-135: CCNP Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP Networks (TSHOOT v2.0) video training course for passing certification exams is the only solution which you need.