How to Create a VLAN on a Cisco Switch

This guide explains how to create a VLAN on a Cisco switch, assign access ports, configure a trunk, and verify the result. The examples use current global configuration commands rather than the obsolete VLAN database workflow.

Create and Name VLANs

Switch> enable
Switch# configure terminal
Switch(config)# vlan 10
Switch(config-vlan)# name IT
Switch(config-vlan)# exit
Switch(config)# vlan 20
Switch(config-vlan)# name HR
Switch(config-vlan)# exit

Assign an Access Port

Switch(config)# interface gigabitethernet 0/1
Switch(config-if)# switchport mode access
Switch(config-if)# switchport access vlan 10
Switch(config-if)# spanning-tree portfast
Switch(config-if)# exit

Use PortFast only on appropriate edge ports connected to end devices. Apply the organization’s edge-port security standards.

Assign a Range of Ports

Switch(config)# interface range gigabitethernet 0/2 - 8
Switch(config-if-range)# switchport mode access
Switch(config-if-range)# switchport access vlan 20

Configure an 802.1Q Trunk

Switch(config)# interface gigabitethernet 0/24
Switch(config-if)# switchport mode trunk
Switch(config-if)# switchport trunk allowed vlan 10,20

Match the trunk and native VLAN settings with the device on the other end. Permit only required VLANs.

Verify the VLAN Configuration

• show vlan brief
• show interfaces switchport
• show interfaces trunk
• show spanning-tree vlan 10

Important Routing Note

Hosts in different VLANs require inter-VLAN routing through a router or multilayer switch. Creating VLANs alone does not provide communication between them.

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