Overview Of Layer 2 Ethernet Switching; Understanding Layer 2 Ethernet Switching - Cisco 4500M Software Manual

Configuring Layer 2 Ethernet Interfaces
This chapter describes how to use the command-line interface (CLI) to configure Fast Ethernet and
Gigabit Ethernet interfaces for Layer 2 switching on Catalyst 4500 series switches. It also provides
guidelines, procedures, and configuration examples. The configuration tasks in this chapter apply to Fast
Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet interfaces on any module, including the uplink ports on the supervisor
engine.
This chapter includes the following major sections:
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Note To configure Layer 3 interfaces, see
For complete syntax and usage information for the switch commands used in this chapter, refer to the
Note
Catalyst 4500 Series Switch Cisco IOS Command Reference and related publications at
http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/software/ios122/122cgcr/index.htm.

Overview of Layer 2 Ethernet Switching

The following sections describe how Layer 2 Ethernet switching works on Catalyst 4500 series switches:
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Understanding Layer 2 Ethernet Switching

Catalyst 4500 series switches support simultaneous, parallel connections between Layer 2 Ethernet
segments. Switched connections between Ethernet segments last only for the duration of the packet. New
connections can be made between different segments for successive packets.
OL-6696-01
Overview of Layer 2 Ethernet Switching, page 12-1
Default Layer 2 Ethernet Interface Configuration, page 12-4
Layer 2 Interface Configuration Guidelines and Restrictions, page 12-5
Configuring Ethernet Interfaces for Layer 2 Switching, page 12-5
Understanding Layer 2 Ethernet Switching, page 12-1
Understanding VLAN Trunks, page 12-3
Layer 2 Interface Modes, page 12-4
C H A P T E R
Chapter 23, "Configuring Layer 3 Interfaces."
Software Configuration Guide—Release 12.2(25)EW
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