Networking at Layer 2: Logical Interface Types
Two main types of interfaces are used in Layer 2 configurations:
- Layer 2 logical interface—This type of interface
uses the VLAN-ID as a virtual circuit identifier and the scope of
the VLAN-ID is local to the interface port. This type of interface
is often used in service-provider-centric applications.
- Access or trunk interface—This type of interface
uses a VLAN-ID with global significance. The access or trunk interface
is implicitly associated with bridge domains based on VLAN membership.
Access or trunk interfaces are typically used in enterprise-centric
applications.
 | Note:
The difference between access interfaces and trunk interfaces
is that access interfaces can be part of one VLAN only and the interface
is normally attached to an end-user device (packets are implicitly
associated with the configured VLAN). In contrast, trunk interfaces
multiplex traffic from multiple VLANs and usually interconnect switches. |
Published: 2011-11-01