asked on

Do switches work even if no VLAN is configured?

If I do not set up any VLANs, and leave everything on the default, can different subnet'ed PC still talk? For example, everything is on VLAN1, but four PCs are 10.10.10.x, and five PCs are 192.168.1.x. Can the .10 PC connect to the other .10? Can the .10 PC connect to the .192 PCs?

Thanks

Ernie Beek

Nope. Because they use different subnets, traffic to the other subnet will be routed out the default gateway. Only if the default gateway is configured for it and can communicate with both subnets it might be possible for the subnets to communicate.

jimmycher

ASKER

I understand 10.10 can not get to vlan 192.168 without a router.

However, can 10.10.10.3 ping 10.10.10.4, at the same time that 192.168.1.7 can ping 192.168.1.8?

Thanks.

SOLUTION

Ernie Beek

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

cdfs

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

Ernie Beek

@cifs: can't afd anything to that :)

jimmycher

ASKER

Good info. Would the ARP table be populated and used for future PINGs, or would each ping necessitate a new broadcast.

cdfs

A switch is always learning his MACs, otherwise it would be a hub, sending anything to any port. The ARP-tables on your clients are another story. Normaly the should stay unless you reboot the client.

jimmycher

ASKER

Thanks CDFS.