Episode 106: Port Tagging and 802.1Q — Trunks and VLAN IDs

This episode explains port tagging and the IEEE 802.1Q standard, which enables VLAN traffic to travel across trunk links between switches. Tagging adds a VLAN identifier to frames so multiple VLANs can share the same physical connection while remaining logically separated. The exam emphasizes 802.1Q because it is the standard method of implementing VLAN trunks.

Examples include configuring trunk ports to carry both data and voice VLANs or connecting distribution switches with multiple VLANs over a single link. Troubleshooting scenarios include identifying native VLAN mismatches, incorrect tagging configurations, or dropped frames caused by untagged traffic. Mastering port tagging ensures you can answer exam questions and properly implement VLAN segmentation in live networks. Produced by BareMetalCyber.com, where you’ll find more cyber audio courses, books, and information to strengthen your certification path.