Cisco vs Dell VLAN Configuration

When comparing Cisco and Dell VLAN configuration, it’s essential to note that while both platforms aim to achieve the same VLAN segmentation goals, the syntax and approach can differ due to their respective operating systems.

This post will provide step by step difference of Cisco and Dell Layer 3 CLI configuration.

How VLAN Configuration differs between the two?

1. VLAN Creation

Cisco IOS:

On Cisco switches, you typically create a VLAN in global configuration mode.

Switch# configure terminal
Switch(config)# vlan 10
Switch(config-vlan)# name Marketing
Switch(config-vlan)# exit

Explanation:

• vlan 10 creates VLAN 10.
• name Marketing assigns a name to the VLAN.

Dell OS10 (or Dell Force10 OS):

In Dell, the command sequence can vary slightly depending on the model and OS. In OS10, the VLAN creation is similar to Cisco, but the commands differ slightly.

Switch# configure terminal
Switch(config)# vlan 10
Switch(config-vlan-10)# name Marketing
Switch(config-vlan-10)# exit

Explanation:

• vlan 10 creates VLAN 10.
• name Marketing assigns a name to the VLAN.
• Notice the VLAN-specific prompt (config-vlan-10).

2. Assigning a VLAN to an Interface

Cisco IOS:

Assigning a VLAN to an interface involves setting the interface in access or trunk mode.

Switch# configure terminal
Switch(config)# interface gigabitEthernet 0/1
Switch(config-if)# switchport mode access
Switch(config-if)# switchport access vlan 10

Explanation:

• switchport mode access sets the port in access mode.
• switchport access vlan 10 assigns the interface to VLAN 10.

Dell OS10 (or Dell Force10 OS):

On Dell switches, the process is similar, but again, the commands differ slightly.

Switch# configure terminal
Switch(config)# interface gigabitEthernet 0/1
Switch(conf-if-gi-0/1)# switchport mode access
Switch(conf-if-gi-0/1)# switchport access vlan 10

Explanation:

• switchport mode access sets the port in access mode.
• switchport access vlan 10 assigns the interface to VLAN 10.

3. Trunk Mode Configuration

Cisco IOS:

For trunk ports, Cisco uses the following:

Switch# configure terminal
Switch(config)# interface gigabitEthernet 0/1
Switch(config-if)# switchport mode trunk
Switch(config-if)# switchport trunk allowed vlan 10,20,30

Explanation:

• switchport mode trunk sets the port to trunk mode.
• switchport trunk allowed vlan 10,20,30 allows VLANs 10, 20, and 30 on the trunk.

Dell OS10 (or Dell Force10 OS):

Trunk mode on Dell is configured similarly but with slight syntax changes:

Switch# configure terminal
Switch(config)# interface gigabitEthernet 0/1
Switch(conf-if-gi-0/1)# switchport mode trunk
Switch(conf-if-gi-0/1)# switchport trunk allowed vlan 10,20,30

Explanation:

• switchport mode trunk sets the port to trunk mode.
• switchport trunk allowed vlan 10,20,30 allows VLANs 10, 20, and 30 on the trunk.

4. VLAN Deletion

Cisco IOS:

Deleting a VLAN is straightforward in Cisco.

Switch# configure terminal
Switch(config)# no vlan 10

Dell OS10 (or Dell Force10 OS):

In Dell, the command to delete a VLAN is also simple:

Switch# configure terminal
Switch(config)# no vlan 10

5. Verification

Cisco IOS:

To verify the VLAN configuration on a Cisco switch, use:

Switch# show vlan brief

Dell OS10 (or Dell Force10 OS):

On a Dell switch, the verification command is:

Switch# show vlan

Key Differences Summarized

• Command Prompts: The configuration prompt differs slightly between Cisco (config-vlan) and Dell (config-vlan-XX).
• Command Syntax: While most commands are nearly identical, Dell’s OS10 tends to include additional prefixes like conf-if-gi-0/1, making the command set a little more detailed compared to Cisco.
• Naming and Operation: The overall operation is similar on both platforms, with minor syntax changes.

Cisco vs Dell VLAN Configuration: Layer 2 & Layer 3 VLANs

The table below shows how both Cisco and Dell Layer 3 Switch configure Layer 2 and Layer 3 VLANs:

Important Pointers:

• As seen from the above configuration, DELL is required to enter into VLAN database for creating the VLAN 100 unlike Cisco where we can directly issue VLAN 100 under config mode.
• Also, prerequisite for Cisco and DELL Layer 3 Switch to perform routing is to configure “IP Routing” in configuration mode.

Cisco & DELL Layer 3 Switch Examples

For clarity of information, some of well known layer 3 switch each of Dell and Cisco include –

Dell  = N2000, N3000, N4000

Cisco = 3850X, 4500x, 3560

Continue Reading:

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rashmi Bhardwaj

I am here to share my knowledge and experience in the field of networking with the goal being – “The more you share, the more you learn.”

I am a biotechnologist by qualification and a Network Enthusiast by interest. I developed interest in networking being in the company of a passionate Network Professional, my husband.

I am a strong believer of the fact that “learning is a constant process of discovering yourself.”
– Rashmi Bhardwaj (Author/Editor)