5.6.9 Lab: Create Vlans - Gui: Exact Answer & Steps

Ever tried to spin up a VLAN in a lab and got stuck staring at a GUI that looks like it was designed by a 90‑day‑old intern?
You’re not alone. Also, the 5. So 6. In real terms, 9 lab in the Cisco Packet Tracer (or any similar sandbox) is supposed to be a quick‑draw exercise, but the interface can feel like a maze. The good news? Once you know where to click, the whole thing clicks into place Easy to understand, harder to ignore. Practical, not theoretical..

Below is the only guide you’ll need to breeze through the “5.Day to day, 6. 9 lab: create VLANs – GUI” step‑by‑step, plus the pitfalls most people trip over and a handful of tips that actually save time.

What Is the 5.6.9 Lab?

In plain English, the 5.6.9 lab is a hands‑on scenario that appears in many CCNA‑style courses. The goal is simple: create three VLANs (usually VLAN 10, 20, 30), assign ports, and verify connectivity—all using the graphical user interface of the switch’s web console or Packet Tracer’s built‑in GUI.

Why does the lab have a number like 5.It’s just a chapter‑section reference. Day to day, “5” is the chapter on switching, “6” the sub‑chapter on VLANs, and “9” the ninth lab exercise. 6.On top of that, the real magic isn’t the numbering; it’s the fact that you’re doing everything without dropping into the CLI. 9? That’s a big deal for visual learners and for anyone who wants to see the configuration reflected instantly on the screen.

The GUI Options

There are two common GUIs you’ll encounter:

1. Web‑based switch GUI – accessed via a browser after you enable HTTP/HTTPS on the device.
2. Packet Tracer’s device‑specific GUI – a simplified version that mimics the real web console but runs locally.

Both share the same layout: a left‑hand navigation pane (System, VLAN, Port Management) and a main pane where you edit values. The lab expects you to use whichever is available, so the steps below reference the generic layout that works for both Simple, but easy to overlook..

Why It Matters

You might wonder, “Why bother with a GUI when the CLI is faster?” In practice, many small‑to‑medium businesses still rely on web interfaces for day‑to‑day switch management. Knowing how to create VLANs without typing a single command shows you can:

• Troubleshoot faster – you can spot mis‑assigned ports at a glance.
• Document visually – screenshots make audit reports painless.
• Teach others – not everyone feels comfortable with a command line; the GUI is a friendly bridge.

If you skip the GUI and jump straight to the CLI, you’ll miss the “big picture” view that helps you understand how VLANs sit inside the switch’s overall architecture. But 6. That’s why the 5.9 lab is a staple in many training programs: it forces you to think visually Simple, but easy to overlook..

How It Works (Step‑by‑Step)

Below is the exact workflow you’ll follow in the lab. Grab your mouse, open the switch’s GUI, and let’s get clicking.

1. Log In to the Switch

1. Open a browser (or the Packet Tracer GUI window).
2. Enter the switch’s IP address – typically 192.168.1.1 for the lab.
3. Use the default credentials (cisco / cisco) unless your instructor changed them.

Pro tip: If the login page never appears, make sure the switch’s HTTP server is enabled. In Packet Tracer you can right‑click the switch → “Start” → “Enable HTTP” The details matter here. No workaround needed..

2. deal with to the VLAN Configuration Page

• In the left navigation pane, click VLAN → VLAN Management.
• You’ll see a table with columns: VLAN ID, Name, Status, Ports.

If you’re using the web‑based GUI, the path is usually Switch > VLAN > VLAN Database.

3. Create VLAN 10, 20, and 30

1. Click the Add button (often a plus sign).
2. In the pop‑up, type 10 for the VLAN ID, give it a name like Sales, and hit Apply.
3. Repeat for 20 (Engineering) and 30 (HR).

The GUI will instantly show the three rows appear in the table. No need to type vlan 10 or name Sales in a terminal.

4. Assign Ports to Each VLAN

Now the fun part: moving ports from the “Unassigned” bucket to the right VLAN It's one of those things that adds up..

1. Click on the Ports tab (sometimes a sub‑tab under each VLAN row).
2. You’ll see a list of all physical ports (Fa0/1‑24, Gi0/1‑2, etc.).
3. Check the boxes next to the ports you want in VLAN 10, then click Assign or drag them into the VLAN column.

Typical lab mapping:

• VLAN 10 – ports Fa0/1‑2 (Sales PCs)
• VLAN 20 – ports Fa0/3‑4 (Engineering workstations)
• VLAN 30 – ports Fa0/5‑6 (HR laptops)

If a port is already a member of another VLAN, the GUI will warn you. Confirm the change.

5. Set the VLAN Mode (Access vs. Trunk)

Most lab switches default ports to access mode, which is fine for end‑device connections. Still, the uplink to the router or another switch must be a trunk Worth knowing..

1. Still in the Ports view, locate the uplink port (usually Gi0/1).
2. Change its Mode dropdown from Access to Trunk.
3. Save the configuration – look for a Save or Apply button at the bottom of the page.

6. Verify the VLANs

The GUI usually offers a Show VLAN or Status button that displays a summary. Click it and confirm:

• All three VLAN IDs appear with the correct names.
• Ports are listed under the right VLAN.
• The trunk port shows “Allowed VLANs: 10,20,30”.

If the lab includes a ping test, you can now open the Simulation tab in Packet Tracer, select a PC, and ping another PC in the same VLAN. Successful replies prove the VLANs are working.

7. Save the Configuration Permanently

Never leave a lab without saving. In the web GUI, there’s a Save Config button that writes the running config to startup. In Packet Tracer, it’s automatically saved, but clicking File > Save is good practice.

Common Mistakes / What Most People Get Wrong

Even after watching a tutorial video, newbies keep hitting the same snags. Here’s what to watch out for:

Practical Tips / What Actually Works

• Use descriptive names – “Sales” is easier to spot than “VLAN10”. The GUI lets you rename anytime, so do it early.
• Group port selection – Hold Shift to select a range of ports, then assign them in one go. Saves minutes.
• Take screenshots – The lab often asks for proof. A quick PrintScreen (or the built‑in snapshot tool in Packet Tracer) gives you a clean record.
• apply the “Port Mirroring” view – Some GUIs show a visual map of which VLAN each port belongs to; use it to double‑check before you ping.
• Backup the config – In the web GUI, there’s usually an Export button that downloads a .cfg file. Store it in your lab folder; you’ll thank yourself later.

FAQ

Q: Can I create VLANs on a switch that doesn’t have a web GUI?
A: Yes, you can always fall back to the CLI (configure terminal → vlan 10). The lab’s purpose is to practice the GUI, but the concepts translate directly.

Q: Do I need to enable VTP for these VLANs?
A: Not for a single‑switch lab. VTP is only needed when you want VLAN information to propagate across multiple switches The details matter here..

Q: What if the “Add VLAN” button is grayed out?
A: Most likely the HTTP server isn’t enabled, or you’re logged in with a read‑only account. Enable HTTP (ip http server) via CLI or ask your instructor for admin credentials.

Q: How can I verify the VLAN configuration without pinging?
A: Use the Show VLAN or VLAN Summary page in the GUI. It lists VLAN IDs, names, status, and associated ports That's the whole idea..

Q: Is there a way to delete a VLAN I created by mistake?
A: Yes. In the VLAN table, select the VLAN row and click the Delete (trash can) icon. Confirm the prompt, then save But it adds up..

That’s it. Practically speaking, next time you open a switch’s web console, you’ll know exactly where to click, why each step matters, and how to prove it worked—all without typing a single line of code. So 6. Day to day, you’ve just walked through the entire 5. 9 lab using the GUI, avoided the usual hiccups, and picked up a handful of shortcuts that will make future labs feel like a breeze. Happy VLAN‑building!

Extending Your Work: FromVLANs to VLAN‑Based Routing and Automation

Now that you’ve mastered the basics of VLAN creation, tagging, and verification through the GUI, you can start leveraging those isolated broadcast domains for more sophisticated lab scenarios. Below are a few natural next steps that keep you inside the graphical environment while deepening your understanding of how VLANs interact with routing, security, and automation.

1. Configure Inter‑VLAN Routing Without Leaving the GUI

Most mid‑range switches ship with a built‑in Layer‑3 Switching feature that lets you route between VLANs directly on the device It's one of those things that adds up..

Because the routing table lives on the same device you’re already managing, you can add or modify routes with a few clicks—no CLI required Simple, but easy to overlook..

2. Implement Port Security to Guard Against Rogue Devices

A common lab exercise asks you to prevent unauthorized hosts from joining a VLAN. The GUI offers a Port Security module that can be configured in three simple stages:

1. Select the target ports (e.g., access ports for end‑users).
2. Open Port Security Settings → set Maximum MAC addresses to 1.
3. Choose the violation action (Shutdown or Protect) and enable sticky MAC learning so the switch remembers the allowed MAC automatically. After applying the changes, any device that plugs into a secured port and tries to use a different MAC will trigger the configured violation, instantly isolating the offending host.

3. Use VLAN‑Based ACLs for Fine‑Grained Traffic Control

Access Control Lists (ACLs) let you filter traffic before it reaches a VLAN. The GUI’s ACL page lets you:

• Create Named ACLs (e.g., VLAN10-OUT).
• Add Match Conditions such as source/destination IP, protocol, or port number.
• Assign the ACL to a VLAN interface (the same SVI you used for routing).

A typical lab scenario might block all traffic from VLAN 20 to VLAN 30 while permitting HTTP/HTTPS to VLAN 10. Because the ACL lives on the switch, the enforcement is instantaneous and visible in the Security Logs tab Turns out it matters..

4. Automate Repetitive Tasks with Built‑In Scripting

Even in a GUI‑centric lab, many platforms expose a CLI‑lite or REST API that can be invoked from the browser’s Scripting pane.

• Python‑style snippets (often called Macro Recorder) let you record a series of clicks and replay them as a script.
• Scheduled Jobs can be set up under System → Automation to run a script nightly—perfect for resetting lab topologies or backing up configs.

Take this: a one‑line script that clears all VLANs and recreates them from a template can be saved and executed with a single button press, dramatically reducing manual errors.

5. Document and Share Your Findings

A polished lab report often carries more weight than the actual configuration steps. The GUI typically includes a Report Generator that compiles:

• Screenshots of each configuration screen. - Exportable configuration files (.cfg or .json).
• A summary table of VLAN IDs, names, and associated ports.

Export the report to PDF or HTML and attach it to your submission. Not only does this satisfy grading rubrics, it also creates a reusable artifact you can reference in future labs.

Conclusion

Navigating the 5.6.9 lab exclusively through the graphical interface transforms a seemingly intimidating series of commands into a visual, step‑by‑step workflow Took long enough..

1. Creating and naming VLANs with clear labels,
2. Assigning ports using range selections and sticky MAC learning,
3. Verifying through built‑in tables and ping tests, and
4. Extending the

and tightening security with port‑security, VLAN‑based ACLs, and automated scripting, you’ll not only meet every rubric requirement but also demonstrate a professional‑grade methodology that scales beyond the classroom.

Recap of the Key Takeaways

Final Thoughts

The graphical interface of the 5.In real terms, 6. 9 lab is deliberately designed to hide the underlying command syntax while still exposing every functional capability of a modern Layer‑2/Layer‑3 switch. By treating the GUI as a visual programming canvas—define → assign → validate → secure → automate—you gain a holistic view of how VLANs, port security, and ACLs interact in a real‑world network.

When you submit your lab, the instructor will see not only a correctly configured switch but also evidence that you understand the why behind each action:

• Segmentation (VLANs) isolates traffic and improves performance.
• Port security guards against rogue devices and MAC‑address attacks.
• ACLs provide granular, policy‑driven traffic control.
• Automation demonstrates an appreciation for repeatable, error‑free operations.
• Documentation showcases professional communication skills.

By following the workflow outlined above, you’ll earn full credit on the assignment and, more importantly, walk away with a repeatable process you can apply to any enterprise‑grade switch—whether you’re still in a lab or managing a production data center.

Happy networking, and enjoy the satisfaction of a clean, secure, and well‑documented VLAN deployment!

5.6.9 Lab - Configuring VLANs and Trunks: GUI Configuration

Introduction

In this lab, you'll explore the graphical user interface (GUI) of a Layer 2/3 switch to configure VLANs, trunks, and related security features. While CLI commands remain the gold standard for network configuration, modern switches increasingly offer intuitive GUI options that can accelerate deployment and simplify troubleshooting. This lab bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application by guiding you through the same configurations you've performed via CLI, but now using visual tools But it adds up..

Scenario

You are a network administrator for a growing organization. The company has acquired new switches and needs VLANs configured for different departments, trunk links established between switches, and appropriate security measures implemented. Your task is to use the switch's GUI to accomplish these objectives efficiently.

Honestly, this part trips people up more than it should.

Objectives

• Create and manage VLANs using the GUI
• Configure trunk ports between switches
• Implement port security features
• Verify configurations through the GUI
• Document your work for future reference

Required Resources

• Access to a Layer 2/3 switch with GUI capabilities
• Two switches for trunk configuration
• Computers for end-user ports
• Web browser for GUI access

Lab Procedure

Part 1: Accessing the GUI

1. Connect your management computer to the switch's management VLAN
2. Open a web browser and enter the switch's IP address
3. Log in with administrative credentials
4. Familiarize yourself with the GUI layout and navigation

Part 2: VLAN Configuration

Creating VLANs

1. figure out to the VLAN configuration section
2. Click "Create New VLAN" or similar option
3. Enter the VLAN ID and name (e.g., VLAN 10 - Marketing)
4. Repeat for all required VLANs
5. Verify the VLANs appear in the VLAN database

Assigning Ports to VLANs

1. Locate the interface configuration section
2. Select the physical ports to configure
3. Choose the appropriate VLAN from the dropdown menu
4. Apply the configuration
5. Verify port-to-VLAN assignments

Part 3: Trunk Configuration

Configuring Trunk Ports

1. Identify the ports that will serve as trunk links
2. Select the trunk port in the interface configuration
3. Enable trunking mode
4. Specify which VLANs are allowed on the trunk
5. Set the native VLAN if required
6. Apply and verify the trunk configuration

Verifying Trunk Operation

1. handle to the interface status page
2. Check that trunk ports show "up/up" status
3. Verify encapsulation type (802.1Q)
4. Confirm allowed VLANs match your configuration

Part 4: Port Security Implementation

Configuring Port Security

1. Select the port to secure
2. Enable port security feature
3. Set maximum MAC addresses allowed
4. Choose violation mode (shutdown, restrict, or protect)
5. Optionally configure sticky MAC learning
6. Apply the security settings

Testing Port Security

1. Connect an authorized device and verify access
2. Attempt to connect an unauthorized device
3. Observe the security response
4. Clear violations if necessary
5. Document the security behavior

Part 5: Inter-VLAN Routing

Configuring SVI Interfaces

1. manage to the VLAN interface configuration
2. Select the VLAN for which you'll create a SVI
3. Enable the interface
4. Assign an appropriate IP address and subnet mask
5. Set the default gateway if required
6. Apply and verify the SVI configuration

Testing Inter-VLAN Communication

1. Configure computers in different VLANs with proper IP settings
2. Test connectivity between VLANs
3. Verify routing is functioning correctly
4. Document any issues and resolutions

Part 6: Access Control Lists (ACLs)

Creating ACLs

1. deal with to the ACL configuration section
2. Create a new standard or extended ACL
3. Define access rules using the GUI's rule builder
4. Apply the ACL to the appropriate interface or VLAN
5. Verify the ACL is active and applied correctly

Testing ACL Functionality

1. Attempt traffic that should be permitted
2. Attempt traffic that should be denied
3. Verify the ACL is enforcing your policies
4. Check system logs for ACL hits

Part 7: Verification and Documentation

Using GUI Monitoring Tools

1. Access the real-time monitoring dashboard
2. View interface statistics and status
3. Check MAC address tables
4. Review system logs and events
5. Generate reports as needed

Documenting Your Configuration

1. Use the GUI's export functionality to save configurations
2. Take screenshots of critical configurations
3. Generate network topology diagrams if available
4. Create a written summary of your implementation
5. Save all documentation in the required format

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Conclusion

This lab has demonstrated how to configure VLANs, trunks, and related features using a graphical user interface. On top of that, while the GUI approach may seem more intuitive than CLI commands, don't forget to understand that both methods achieve the same network functionality. The GUI can be particularly valuable for quick deployments, visual verification, and when working with team members who may not be CLI experts.

And yeah — that's actually more nuanced than it sounds.

As you progress in your networking career, you'll likely use

As you progress in yournetworking career, you’ll likely find that GUI‑based configuration serves as a valuable bridge between hands‑on troubleshooting and higher‑level design thinking. Day to day, modern enterprise environments increasingly blend graphical tools with programmatic approaches—think Python scripts that call REST APIs to push the same VLAN, trunk, and ACL settings you just practiced creating manually. Embracing this hybrid workflow not only accelerates deployment but also reduces the risk of human error when changes must be replicated across dozens of devices.

Looking ahead, consider exploring the following next steps to deepen your proficiency:

• Automation Integration – Learn to export the CLI equivalents of the GUI actions you just performed and then script them with tools such as Ansible or Nornir. This will let you validate configurations at scale and maintain consistency across large fleets.
• Advanced Security Policies – Dive into reflexive and time‑based ACLs, DHCP snooping, and Dynamic ARP Inspection to protect the very segmentation you’ve just established.
• High‑Availability Design – Experiment with stacking multiple switches, configuring port‑channel bundles, and implementing rapid spanning tree to check that your VLAN fabric remains resilient during hardware failures.
• Monitoring & Telemetry – use the GUI’s logging capabilities alongside SNMP and NetFlow collectors to gain real‑time insight into traffic flows and to proactively detect anomalies.

By coupling the visual clarity of GUI configuration with a solid foundation in CLI fundamentals and emerging automation techniques, you’ll be equipped to design, implement, and maintain reliable, secure, and scalable LAN environments. The skills honed in this lab—understanding how VLANs, trunks, and ACLs interact, verifying inter‑VLAN routing, and documenting every change—form the backbone of modern network engineering, whether you’re working in a small office or a multinational data center And it works..

In summary, this lab has given you a practical, step‑by‑step walkthrough of building a segmented LAN using a graphical interface. You now have a repeatable process for creating VLANs, establishing trunk links, configuring inter‑VLAN routing, applying access controls, and documenting the entire topology. Keep these procedures as reference points as you expand your network projects, and let the confidence gained here propel you toward more complex architectures and automated workflows.