Concept Guide

Example of a Basic Layer 2 Interface Conguration
DellEMC(conf-if)#show config
!
interface Port-channel 1
no ip address
switchport
no shutdown
DellEMC(conf-if)#
Conguring Layer 2 (Interface) Mode
To congure an interface in Layer 2 mode, use the following commands.
• Enable the interface.
INTERFACE mode
no shutdown
• Place the interface in Layer 2 (switching) mode.
INTERFACE mode
switchport
To view the interfaces in Layer 2 mode, use the show interfaces switchport command in EXEC mode.
Conguring Layer 3 (Network) Mode
When you assign an IP address to a physical interface, you place it in Layer 3 mode.
To enable Layer 3 mode on an individual interface, use the following commands. In all interface types except VLANs, the shutdown
command prevents all trac from passing through the interface. In VLANs, the shutdown command prevents Layer 3 trac from passing
through the interface. Layer 2 trac is unaected by the shutdown command. One of the interfaces in the system must be in Layer 3
mode before you congure or enter a Layer 3 protocol mode (for example, OSPF).
• Enable Layer 3 on an individual interface
INTERFACE mode
ip address ip-address
• Enable the interface.
INTERFACE mode
no shutdown
Example of Error Due to Issuing a Layer 3 Command on a Layer 2 Interface
If an interface is in the incorrect layer mode for a given command, an error message is displayed (shown in bold). In the following example,
the ip address command triggered an error message because the interface is in Layer 2 mode and the ip address command is a
Layer 3 command only.
DellEMC(conf-if)#show config
!
interface GigabitEthernet 1/2
no ip address
switchport
no shutdown
DellEMC(conf-if)#ip address 10.10.1.1 /24
% Error: Port is in Layer 2 mode Gi 1/2.
DellEMC(conf-if)#
346
Interfaces