Access&Hybrid&Trunk
Access&Hybrid&Trunk
· Jomplair · Lexicon Lab

Access, Hybrid, and Trunk Ports

In VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) configurations, AccessHybrid, and Trunk ports play critical roles in managing traffic between devices and VLANs. Below is a detailed comparison of their functions, working mechanisms, and differences from a network engineer's perspective.

  1. Overview of Port Types

Port Type

Description

Access Port

A port that carries traffic for a single VLAN. Typically used to connect end devices (e.g., PCs, printers).

Trunk Port

A port that carries traffic for multiple VLANs. Used to interconnect switches or routers.

Hybrid Port

A port that can carry traffic for multiple VLANs, with some VLANs tagged and others untagged. Common in Huawei devices.

  1. Working Mechanisms

Access Port

  • VLAN Assignment: Assigned to a single VLAN (untagged).
  • Traffic Handling:
    • Ingress: Frames are assigned to the configured VLAN.
    • Egress: Frames are sent untagged.
  • Use Case: Connects end devices to a switch.

Trunk Port

  • VLAN Assignment: Carries traffic for multiple VLANs (tagged).
  • Traffic Handling:
    • Ingress: Frames are tagged with VLAN IDs.
    • Egress: Frames are forwarded based on VLAN tags.
  • Use Case: Interconnects switches or routers.

Hybrid Port

  • VLAN Assignment: Carries traffic for multiple VLANs, with some tagged and others untagged.
  • Traffic Handling:
    • Ingress: Frames can be tagged or untagged, depending on VLAN configuration.
    • Egress: Frames are sent as tagged or untagged, based on VLAN settings.
  • Use Case: Used in scenarios where both tagged and untagged traffic is required (e.g., connecting to a server or VoIP phone).
  1. Comparison of Port Types

Feature

Access Port

Trunk Port

Hybrid Port

VLAN Support

Single VLAN (untagged)

Multiple VLANs (tagged)

Multiple VLANs (tagged/untagged)

Tagging

Untagged

Tagged

Tagged and Untagged

Typical Use Case

Connects end devices

Interconnects switches/routers

Connects devices needing mixed traffic

Device Compatibility

PCs, printers, etc.

Switches, routers

Servers, VoIP phones, etc.

Configuration Complexity

Simple

Moderate

Complex

  1. VLAN Handling

Port Type

VLAN Handling

Access Port

- Assigns frames to a single VLAN. <br> - Sends frames untagged.

Trunk Port

- Tags frames with VLAN IDs. <br> - Forwards frames based on VLAN tags.

Hybrid Port

- Can handle both tagged and untagged frames. <br> - Configurable per VLAN.

  1. Configuration Examples

Access Port Configuration (Cisco)

bash

Switch(config)# interface GigabitEthernet0/1 

Switch(config-if)# switchport mode access 

Switch(config-if)# switchport access vlan 10 

Trunk Port Configuration (Cisco)

bash

Switch(config)# interface GigabitEthernet0/2 

Switch(config-if)# switchport mode trunk 

Switch(config-if)# switchport trunk allowed vlan 10,20,30 

Hybrid Port Configuration (Huawei)

bash

Switch(config)# interface GigabitEthernet0/3 

Switch(config-if)# switchport mode hybrid 

Switch(config-if)# port hybrid pvid vlan 10 

Switch(config-if)# port hybrid untagged vlan 10 

Switch(config-if)# port hybrid tagged vlan 20,30 

  1. Use Cases

Port Type

Use Case

Access Port

- Connecting PCs, printers, or other end devices to a switch.

Trunk Port

- Interconnecting switches or routers to carry traffic for multiple VLANs.

Hybrid Port

- Connecting devices that require both tagged and untagged traffic (e.g., servers, VoIP phones).

  1. Best Practices

Port Type

Best Practice

Access Port

- Use for end devices to simplify VLAN assignment.

Trunk Port

- Configure allowed VLANs to minimize unnecessary traffic.

Hybrid Port

- Use when mixed traffic (tagged/untagged) is required.

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