Network Warrior

Configuring VLANs

VLANs are typically configured via the CatOS or IOS command-line interpreter (CLI), like any other feature. However, some IOS models, such as the 2950 and 3550 switches, have a configurable VLAN database with its own configuration mode and commands. This can be a challenge for the uninitiated, especially because the configuration for this database is completely separate from the configuration for the rest of the switch. Even a write erase followed by a reload will not clear the VLAN database on these switches. Configuring through the VLAN database is a throwback to older models that offered no other way to manage VLANs. All newer switches (including those with a VLAN database) offer the option of configuring the VLANs through the normal IOS CLI. Switches like the 6500, when running in native IOS mode, only support IOS commands for switch configuration.

Tip

Cisco recommends that the VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP) be configured as a first step when configuring VLANs. This idea has merit, as trunks will not negotiate without a VTP domain. However, setting a VTP domain is not required to make VLANs function on a single switch. Configuring VTP is covered later (see Chapter 5 and Chapter 6).

CatOS

For CatOS, creating a VLAN is accomplished with the set vlan command:

Switch1-CatOS# (enable)set vlan 10 name Lab-VLAN
VTP advertisements transmitting temporarily stopped,
and will resume after the command finishes.
Vlan 10 configuration successful

There are a lot of options when creating ...