how to configure two switches together

Network switches are a critical part of any network infrastructure and are used to create multiple networks within a single system. But in order to get the maximum benefit out of a network switch, they must be configured correctly and connected together properly. In this article, we’ll look at how to properly configure two switches together to ensure the best performance and reliability.

Configuring two switches together is a straightforward process but it requires some understanding of networking concepts. Before we get started, let’s take a look at what is involved in configuring two switches. First, we need to identify the ports available on each switch and determine how they will be connected. We also need to set up the necessary VLANs to ensure traffic between the two switches is routed correctly. Finally, we will also look at the types of traffic that are allowed to be sent and received. Once these steps are complete, we can begin configuring the switches.

The first step in configuring two switches is to identify the ports available on each switch and determine how they should be connected. For example, if we are connecting two 24-port switches, we would need to identify which port on each switch will be used for the connection. The easiest way to do this is to look at the labeling of the ports on each switch and make sure to use the same number port on both switches. Once we have identified the ports, we can connect them using a crossover cable. This type of cable is designed for connecting two switches together and ensures that the data sent from one switch is received by the other.

Once the ports have been connected, the next step is to configure the VLANs. VLANs are used to separate different networks and prevent traffic from crossing between them. For example, if we have two separate networks, we would need to set up two VLANs, one for each network. To do this, we would use the command-line interface (CLI) on each switch to assign each port to the appropriate VLAN. We would then need to configure the VLANs to ensure that traffic is routed correctly between the two switches.

Next, we need to configure the types of traffic that are allowed to be sent and received between the two switches. This is done by creating access control lists (ACLs) that specify which types of traffic are allowed through. For example, if we wanted to allow only certain types of traffic such as web traffic or email traffic, we would need to create an ACL that allows only those types of traffic. ACLs are also used to limit the amount of bandwidth that is allowed for certain types of traffic. This helps to ensure that all traffic has enough bandwidth available for optimal performance.

Finally, once the VLANs and ACLs have been configured, the last step is to save the configuration. This is usually done by using a command-line interface, or by using a configuration management system such as Ansible. Once the configuration is saved, it can be applied to both switches, ensuring that the configuration is consistent across both devices.

Configuring two switches together may seem like a daunting task but with a little knowledge and patience, it can be done quickly and easily. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your network switches are properly configured and connected together for optimal performance and reliability.

How To Configure Cisco Switches A Step By Guide