CHAPTER
8-1
Catalyst 3550 Multilayer Switch Software Configuration Guide
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8
Configuring Interface Characteristics
This chapter defines the types of interfaces on the switch and describes how to configure them. The
chapter has these sections:
Understanding Interface Types, page 8-1
Using the Interface Command, page 8-6
Configuring Layer 2 Interfaces, page 8-12
Monitoring and Maintaining the Layer 2 Interface, page 8-18
Configuring Layer 3 Interfaces, page 8-22
Note For complete syntax and usage information for the commands used in this chapter, refer to the
Catalyst 3550 Multilayer Switch Command Reference for this release and the online Cisco IOS
Interface Command Reference for Release 12.1.

Understanding Interface Types

This section describe the different types of interfaces suppor ted by the switch with references to chapters
that contain more detailed information about configuring these interface types. The rest of the chapter
describes configuration procedures for physical interface cha r acter istic s.
These sections are included:
Port-Based VLANs, page 8-2
Switch Ports, page 8-2
EtherChannel Port Groups, page 8-3
Switch Virtual Interfaces, page 8-4
Routed Ports, page 8-4
Connecting Interfaces, page 8-5