Switch Trunks (Cable configuration)

[gsalmon444]

Hi, all

Im quite new to learning VLANS etc. What I want to know is -

What is the best basic cable configuration to use to use ISL\VLANs between two 21 port Cisco switches?

Also how would you connect three switches?

Regards

[Collin Clark]

To connect two switches together, you'll need to use cross-over cables.

HTH and please rate.

[gsalmon444]

Yes sorry I realise that but do you just simply connect port to port on the same one i.e 0/1 connects to 0/1, 0/2-0/2 etc etc... Can you do this to the fibre link to or not?

[Collin Clark]

It does not matter what ports you use. You can connect port 1 on witch A to port 13 on Switch B. It also does not matter if it's fiber or copper.

[gsalmon444]

Thanks for help, much appreciated!!

Glenn

[rsculthorp]

Do not forget that if you want to share different VLAN traffic through the switches taht you will need to Trunk the ports you are using the connect the switches.

The trunk encapsulation should default to dot1q, but I like to set it since it sometimes has problems with new switches connected to older switches.

switchport trunk encap dot1q

switchport mode trunk

You will also have to set one of your switches up as the master VLAN switch and set the others to client mode.

sh vtp stauts , should give you the settings of your switch

use the, vlan data command from the enable prompt (NOT the CONFIG TERMINAL) to add VLANS and change the VTP settings for the switch.

HOpe this helps,

Rod

[gsalmon444]

Once again thanks for help on this topic, a great help to all comments that have been made. Even though this is a bit above me as im just doing my ccna studies, it will all come together im sure.

Thanks