We need to configure the Switch interfaces for end-user devices. In this process, we need to set specific ports as Access Ports.
Access Ports are used to connect devices, especially computers and printers. Also, in this article, I will explain the concept of this connection structure. I will also examine its importance in VLAN configuration.
What is an Access Port?
This port is used only for connecting end-user devices such as computers and printers.
If you want to configure the interfaces of the Switches for end-user devices, you need to specify those ports as Access Ports. This port is usually used only to connect end-user devices such as computers and printers.
When configuring VLANs on Cisco Switches, you need to add a user on the network to the created VLAN. When doing this, you need to plug the Ethernet interface of the user computer into the relevant port of the Switch and also configure this port as Access Mode.
In short, all computers that will be connected to the Switch are configured as access mode!
If you add another Switch to the network environment, you need to configure the ports connected from the Switch to the Switch as TRUNK connections.
The switchport mode access command is used in the config mode of the relevant interface to configure a port as Access on the Cisco Switch.
How to Configure the Cisco Switch’s Interface as Access Mode
To connect the end devices to the ports of the Cisco switch, first open the CLI command prompt. Then, apply the relevant commands on the ports you selected as Access.
Now, let’s configure the Switch interfaces as Access on Packet Tracer. Thus, create a network topology as in the image below to make these ports members of the VLAN.
After creating the network topology, click on Switch0. Then, the following commands will be applied to assign PC1 to VLAN5.
Switch0# conf t
Switch0(config)# interface fastethernet 0/2
Switch0(config-if)# switchport mode access
Switch0(config-if)# switchport access vlan 5
Switch0(config-if)# end
Switch0# wr
Switchport Mode Access = We have configured the Cisco Switch interface to which PC1 in the network topology is connected as Access mode.
Switchport Access Vlan 5 = We have made PC1 in the network topology a member of the created VLAN5.
Click Switch1 on the network topology and configure the Fa0/1 interface to which PC2 is connected. After configuring the Fa0/1 interface to Access mode, register the PC2 computer to VLAN5.
Switch1# conf t
Switch1(config)# interface fastethernet 0/1
Switch1(config-if)# switchport mode access
Switch1(config-if)# switchport access vlan 5
Switch1(config-if)# end
Switch1# wr
Configuring Access Port on Switches ⇒ Video
First, create a simple network topology with Packet Tracer. After that, watch the video below to configure the Switch’s ports as access mode. Additionally, you can subscribe to our YouTube channel to support us!
Conclusion
Access ports are usually configured when connecting a computer, printer, or other devices to the Switch. Note that this access mode can only pass a single VLAN ID. Thanks for following us!
TolgaBagci
Hi, I'm Tolga, a computer expert with 20 years of experience. I help fix computer issues with things like hardware, systems, networks, virtualization, servers, and operating systems. Check out my website for helpful info, and feel free to ask me anything. Keep yourself in the loop about the newest technologies!
