Answer first: connect a router LAN port to a supported switch port with the correct Ethernet cable, then verify link state, addressing, DHCP, default gateway, VLANs, and Internet reachability. Cisco shows this basic unmanaged-switch workflow in its official connection guide. Enterprise Networking -- Routers, switches, wireless, and firewalls. Internet Connection Termination: Core Switch vs Firewall - What's Your Preference? Hello, I recently had a spirited discussion with a colleague about the best practice for. We have 2 6506's connected through an ether-channel trunk. On these 6506's we have configured a vlan, vlan interface and 2 access ports for 2 ASA's. We want to be more resilient so our provider has provided us. What is the best method to use when connecting a router to your core switch? Should I put the switch port in a vlan where the IP of the router interface is or should the port not be a switchport and give it an IP? I know both methods will work but I want to know what is the better method to use. Firewalls typically have lower throughout than the Core, however it would give you security between VLANs There is no best solution, just depends on the customer requirements EDIT: also, it's not a stupid question, this comes up pretty regularly in the Enterprise and knowing why you would do one. The hierarchy Ethernet network is a three-layer integrated setup of networking devices.
