Create Link between Cisco and non Cisco Switch

dougp23
dougp23 used Ask the Experts™
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Cisco 3560.  Connect to a NetGear something...

I ran a cable and connected the two.  Got a link, traffic seems to pass.
Created a new VLAN on the 3560, VLAN 100.  Added this port that connects to the NetGear to that VLAN.  In another building is another 3560 connected via fiber.  Added one port on that to VLAN 100.

I cannot get to the server on the NetGear....

My Cisco ports are setup as "switchport mode access VLAN 100".  the fiber is trunking.

What am I missing?
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Commented:
The netgear also needs to have that vlan defined, and the fiber link needs to be setup for trunking or tagging. The way you described this has be believing that the Cisco switch is connected to the netgear on a port configured as "switchport mode trunk" which means all vlans are tagged except vlan 1. As a result, the netgear will not be able to communicate on vlan 100 without having it defined on the switch globally and tagged on that uplink to the Cisco.

If you intend to use the netgear as a flat switch with no additional vlans, enter the command "switchport trunk native vlan 100" on the trunk port that connects to the netgear and you shouldn't have to do anything on the netgear. (bear in mind that this is technically a vlan mismatch on the trunk, but functionally it will accomplish what you want)
dougp23

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Commented:
Thanks rauenpc, I will give that a try.  

The fiber ports are setup for trunking (dot1q).

I have no idea how the Netgear is configured, so I am going to try your way and connect to it as a "flat switch".

I will report back later on any progress!
dougp23

Author

Commented:
It worked!  Although for some reason, I had to set the cisco switch port connecting to the NetGear to:

switchport access vlan 100

Setting it to trunk would not work.  Perhaps the Netgear is an unmanaged switch?  
Anyway, I am super happy this worked!

THANKS!

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