On newer model Cisco small business switches, the interface VLAN mode designation is different than what you might expect:

  1. The default mode is "Trunk".  This is not the same as "switchport mode trunk" on enterprise Cisco switches.  This mode can be left as is for plugging in a host, but is actually best used when setting up link aggregation.
  2. The "Access" mode is similar to the "switchport mode access" command on enterprise Cisco switches and is the mode that should be used when setting up multiple VLAN access on a switch.
  3. The "General" mode is comparable to the "switchport mode trunk" command on enterprise Cisco switches.  This is the mode an interface should be set to when Dot.1Q VLAN tagging needs to be configured.