Step-by-Step Guide to Creating VLANs on Cisco Switches- A Comprehensive Tutorial

How to Create VLAN in Cisco Switch

Creating VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) in Cisco switches is a fundamental task for network administrators to logically segment a network. VLANs help in improving network performance, security, and manageability. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating VLANs in a Cisco switch.

Understanding VLANs

Before diving into the creation process, it’s essential to understand what VLANs are and why they are important. A VLAN is a broadcast domain that is created by dividing a single physical network into multiple logical networks. This division allows network administrators to group devices based on their functions, departments, or any other criteria, without physically moving the devices.

Prerequisites for Creating VLANs

Before you start creating VLANs, ensure that you have the following prerequisites:

1. Access to the Cisco switch console or CLI (Command Line Interface).
2. Basic knowledge of Cisco switch commands.
3. IP address and credentials for accessing the switch’s web interface (if applicable).

Creating VLANs in Cisco Switch

Now that you have a clear understanding of VLANs and the prerequisites, let’s proceed with the process of creating VLANs in a Cisco switch.

1.

Access the Switch’s CLI

To create VLANs, you need to access the switch’s CLI. You can do this by connecting a console cable to the switch’s console port and using a terminal emulator program like PuTTY or Tera Term. Once connected, log in using the switch’s username and password.

2.

Enter Global Configuration Mode

After logging in, enter the global configuration mode by typing the following command:
“`
Switch> enable
Switch configure terminal
“`

3.

Create a New VLAN

To create a new VLAN, use the following command:
“`
Switch(config) vlan [vlan_id]
“`
Replace `[vlan_id]` with the desired VLAN ID. VLAN IDs range from 1 to 4094. For example, to create VLAN 10, use the following command:
“`
Switch(config) vlan 10
“`

4.

Assign VLAN Name

It’s a good practice to assign a descriptive name to each VLAN. Use the following command to do so:
“`
Switch(config-vlan) name [vlan_name]
“`
Replace `[vlan_name]` with a suitable name for the VLAN. For example, to name VLAN 10 as “Sales,” use the following command:
“`
Switch(config-vlan) name Sales
“`

5.

Exit VLAN Configuration Mode

After assigning the VLAN name, exit the VLAN configuration mode by typing the following command:
“`
Switch(config-vlan) exit
“`

6.

Exit Global Configuration Mode

Once you have finished creating the VLAN, exit the global configuration mode by typing the following command:
“`
Switch(config) exit
“`

7.

Verify VLAN Creation

To verify that the VLAN has been created successfully, enter the following command:
“`
Switch show vlan brief
“`
This command will display a brief list of all VLANs created on the switch, including the VLAN ID, name, and status.

By following these steps, you can successfully create VLANs in a Cisco switch. Remember to test your VLAN configurations to ensure they are working as expected.