CHAPTER
9-1
Catalyst2950 Desktop Switch Software Configuration Guide
78-11380-05
9
Configuring Interface Characteristics
This chapter defines the types of interfaces on the switch and de scr ibes how to c on figure th em . Th e
chapter has these sections:
Understanding Interface Types, page 9-1
Using the Interface Command, page 9-4
Configuring Layer 2 Interfaces, page 9-9
Monitoring and Maintaining the Interfaces, page 9-14
Note For complete syntax and usage information for the commands used in this chapter, refer to the switch
command reference for this release and the online Cisco IOS Interface Command Reference for
Release12.1.

Understanding Interface Types

This section describes the different types of interfaces supported by the switch with references to
chapters that contain more detailed information about configuring these int erface ty pe s. Th e rest of the
chapter describes configuration procedures for physical interface characteristics.
These sections are included:
Port-Based VLANs, page 9-1
Switch Ports, page 9-2
EtherChannel Port Groups, page 9-3
Connecting Interfaces, page 9-3

Port-Based VLANs

A VLAN is a switched network that is logically segmented by function, team, or application, without
regard to the physical location of the users. For more information about VLANs, see Chapter13,
Configuring VLANs. Packets received on a port are forwarded only to ports that belong to the same
VLAN as the re ceiving port. Network devices in different VLANs cannot communicate with one another
without a Layer 3 device to route traffic between the VLANs.