Courseiva
VLANVLAN Config

name [vlan-name]

Assigns a name to a VLAN for identification and management purposes in VLAN configuration mode.

Syntax·VLAN Config
name [vlan-name]

When to Use This Command

  • Naming a VLAN to reflect its function, such as 'Engineering' or 'Sales', for easier network management.
  • Renaming an existing VLAN to match a new departmental structure.
  • Creating a descriptive name for a management VLAN (e.g., 'Management') to distinguish it from data VLANs.
  • Standardizing VLAN names across multiple switches for consistent documentation.

Command Examples

Naming VLAN 10 as Engineering

Switch(config-vlan)# name Engineering

No output is generated; the command simply assigns the name 'Engineering' to the current VLAN.

Verifying VLAN name assignment

Switch# show vlan id 10
VLAN Name                             Status    Ports
---- -------------------------------- --------- -------------------------------
10   Engineering                       active    Fa0/1, Fa0/2, Fa0/3

The output shows VLAN 10 with name 'Engineering' and its status as active, along with assigned ports.

Understanding the Output

The 'name' command itself produces no output. To verify the VLAN name, use 'show vlan' or 'show vlan id <vlan-id>'. The output displays the VLAN ID, name, status (active or suspended), and ports assigned. A meaningful name helps identify the VLAN's purpose. Ensure the name is unique and descriptive; duplicate names are not allowed. A missing or default name (e.g., 'VLAN0010') indicates the VLAN has not been explicitly named.

CCNA Exam Tips

1.

Remember that VLAN names are case-sensitive and can be up to 32 characters.

2.

The 'name' command is executed in VLAN configuration mode (config-vlan), not global config.

3.

CCNA may test that you can assign a name to a VLAN and verify it with 'show vlan brief'.

4.

Be aware that VLAN 1 and VLANs 1002-1005 are reserved and cannot be renamed.

Common Mistakes

Trying to name a VLAN in global configuration mode instead of VLAN configuration mode.

Using spaces or special characters in the VLAN name (only alphanumeric and underscores are allowed).

Forgetting to exit VLAN configuration mode before verifying the name with 'show vlan'.

Related Commands

show vlan

Displays the current VLAN configuration on the switch, including VLAN IDs, names, status, and ports assigned to each VLAN, used to verify VLAN creation and port assignments.

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.

Practice for the CCNA 200-301

Test your knowledge with hundreds of CCNA practice questions covering all exam domains.

Practice CCNA Questions