The difference between tagged and untagged ports on VLANs

Demystifying VLAN Tagged Ports and Untagged Ports: Simplifying Network Segmentation

In modern networking, VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) play a vital role in segmenting networks and improving overall network efficiency. Two essential concepts within VLANs are tagged ports and untagged ports. In this article, we will explore the differences between these port types, their significance in network configurations, and how they contribute to effective network segmentation.

Example Image:

     +-----------+
     |  VLAN 10  |
     +-----------+
          |
     +-----------+
     |  VLAN 20  |
     +-----------+
          |
     +-----------+
     |  VLAN 30  |
     +-----------+

Understanding Tagged Ports and Untagged Ports:

  1. Tagged Ports:

    • Tagged ports are commonly used to interconnect networking devices such as switches or routers in a VLAN environment.

    • They transmit traffic with VLAN tags, allowing the receiving device to identify and process the traffic based on the VLAN tags.

    • Tagged ports are typically used for connections between switches or trunk links carrying multiple VLANs.

  2. Untagged Ports:

    • Untagged ports, also known as access ports, are associated with a specific VLAN and do not transmit VLAN tags.

    • Devices connected to untagged ports are unaware of the VLAN configuration and simply receive and transmit untagged traffic within their assigned VLAN.

    • Untagged ports are commonly used for end-user devices like computers, printers, or servers that do not require VLAN awareness.

      Configuration Examples:

  3. Tagged Port Configuration:

    • Switch configuration:

      interface GigabitEthernet1/0/1
  switchport mode trunk
  switchport trunk allowed vlan 10,20,30

    • This configuration enables VLAN tagging on the specified port, allowing the transmission of traffic from multiple VLANs.

  4. Untagged Port Configuration:

    • Switch configuration:

      interface GigabitEthernet1/0/2
  switchport mode access
  switchport access vlan 20

    • This configuration assigns the port to a specific VLAN and transmits traffic without VLAN tags.

      Benefits of VLAN Tagged Ports and Untagged Ports:

Benefits of VLAN Tagged Ports and Untagged Ports:

  • Tagged ports enable efficient use of network resources by allowing multiple VLANs to traverse a single physical link.

  • Untagged ports provide simplicity and ease of use for end-user devices, reducing the need for VLAN awareness at the device level.

  • VLAN tagging and untagging allow for secure isolation and segmentation of network traffic, enhancing network performance, security, and manageability.

    Conclusion

    VLAN Tagged Ports and Untagged Ports are fundamental components of VLAN-based network segmentation. Tagged ports facilitate the transmission of VLAN-tagged traffic between switches, while untagged ports connect end-user devices directly to a specific VLAN. Understanding the differences and proper configuration of these port types enables efficient network segmentation, improved traffic management, and enhanced network security. Embrace the power of VLANs and leverage tagged and untagged ports to optimize your network infrastructure.

NetworkingNetworkVLANsSeperationTaggedUntagged
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2023-07-06  
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