Trunking & Inter-Switch VLANs
Carry multiple VLANs between two switches with 802.1Q trunking. Build VLANs on both switches, configure and prune a trunk, set the native VLAN, and verify end to end with show interfaces trunk and show vlan — the core of CCNA Layer-2 connectivity.
Skills you will practice
- IEEE 802.1Q trunking; switchport mode trunk and allowed-VLAN lists; native VLAN configuration; multi-switch VLAN consistency; verification with show interfaces trunk / show vlan brief
Certifications this lab maps to
This lab builds hands-on skills that appear on these certification exams. thinQtank Learning runs instructor-led training camps for each — click one to see upcoming classes.
The scenario
Two access switches, SW1 and SW2, are joined by GigabitEthernet0/1. Users in the same VLAN sit on different switches — so the VLANs must exist on both and the link between them must be a trunk.
What you will do
- Review both switches3 steps
Look at SW1 · Look at SW2 · Why a trunk
- Create matching VLANs4 steps
VLANs on SW1 · VLANs on SW2 · Both sides · Create command
- Assign access ports4 steps
SW1 Fa0/1 → VLAN 10 · SW2 Fa0/1 → VLAN 10 · Still separated · Check SW1 ports
- Configure the trunk5 steps
Trunk on SW1 · Trunk on SW2 · Verify the trunk · What a trunk carries · …
- Restrict the trunk and verify5 steps
Limit allowed VLANs · Review SW1 config · Native VLAN mismatch · Why prune · …
How this lab works
A real Linux-style console. Commands run against real files, so hashes, hex dumps and comparisons give real results.
A file browser where you can place evidence into the lab, either the file provided or one of your own.
Reset a single step, a whole task or the entire lab. The environment is rebuilt so you can try again cleanly.
Progress saves after every step. Close the tab and come back later; your files and answers are waiting.