Access Port vs. Trunk Port

In networking, not all switch ports are created equal. Here’s the quick breakdown so you never mix them up again:

Access Port - For End Devices​

● Connects PCs, printers & other user devices.
● Works with one VLAN only.
● Sends frames without VLAN tags (untagged).
● Same broadcast domain
● Supports Voice VLAN for IP phones

Trunk Port - For Networking Devices​

● Connects switches or switch-to-router links.
● Carries multiple VLANs at once.
● Uses VLAN tagging to separate traffic.
● Different VLANs = different broadcast domains.
● Voice VLAN not supported.

Pro Tip: Access ports are for your endpoints. Trunk ports are the highways between your networking gear. Choose wisely!