vlan [vlan-id]
Creates a VLAN on a Cisco switch and enters VLAN configuration mode to assign a name or other parameters.
vlan [vlan-id]When to Use This Command
- Segmenting a network into separate broadcast domains for security or traffic management.
- Creating a native VLAN for trunk ports to carry untagged traffic.
- Setting up a management VLAN for remote switch administration.
- Isolating guest Wi-Fi traffic from corporate data traffic.
Command Examples
Create VLAN 10 and assign a name
Switch(config)# vlan 10
Switch(config-vlan)# name SalesSwitch(config)# vlan 10 Switch(config-vlan)# name Sales Switch(config-vlan)# end Switch# show vlan brief VLAN Name Status Ports ---- -------------------------------- --------- ------------------------------- 1 default active Fa0/1, Fa0/2, Fa0/3, Fa0/4 10 Sales active 1002 fddi-default act/unsup 1003 token-ring-default act/unsup 1004 fddinet-default act/unsup 1005 trnet-default act/unsup
The 'vlan 10' command creates VLAN 10 and enters VLAN configuration mode. 'name Sales' assigns a descriptive name. 'end' returns to privileged EXEC mode. 'show vlan brief' displays all VLANs; VLAN 10 now appears with name 'Sales' and status 'active' (no ports assigned yet).
Create VLAN 20 without a name
Switch(config)# vlan 20Switch(config)# vlan 20 Switch(config-vlan)# end Switch# show vlan id 20 VLAN ID: 20 VLAN Name: VLAN0020 VLAN Type: Ethernet VLAN State: active MTU: 1500 ...
Creating VLAN 20 without a name results in a default name 'VLAN0020'. The 'show vlan id 20' command displays details: VLAN ID, name, type, state, and MTU.
Understanding the Output
The 'show vlan brief' output lists all VLANs with their ID, name, status, and assigned ports. 'Status' shows 'active' for operational VLANs; 'act/unsup' for default VLANs that are active but unsupported on the platform. Ports column lists interfaces in that VLAN; empty means no ports assigned. 'show vlan id X' gives detailed info: VLAN ID, name, type (Ethernet, FDDI, etc.), state (active or suspended), MTU, and other parameters. A healthy VLAN has 'active' state and correct MTU (1500 for Ethernet). Watch for 'suspended' state if VLAN is shut down or misconfigured.
CCNA Exam Tips
CCNA exam tip: VLANs must be created before assigning them to switch ports; otherwise, the port will be in an error-disabled state.
CCNA exam tip: The 'vlan' command is executed in global config mode, not interface mode.
CCNA exam tip: VLAN 1 is the default VLAN and cannot be deleted; it is used for management by default.
CCNA exam tip: To delete a VLAN, use 'no vlan <vlan-id>'; this removes the VLAN and all ports assigned to it become inactive.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Forgetting to create the VLAN before assigning it to a port, causing the port to be in an error-disabled state.
Mistake 2: Using 'vlan' in interface configuration mode instead of global config mode.
Mistake 3: Deleting a VLAN that has active ports, which shuts down those ports and can cause network outages.
Related Commands
show vlan brief
Displays a summary of all VLANs configured on the switch, including VLAN ID, name, status, and ports, used to quickly verify VLAN configuration and port assignments.
switchport access vlan [vlan-id]
Assigns a specific VLAN to an access port, placing the port in that VLAN for untagged traffic.
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