Virtual LANs (IEEE 802.1Q)

A Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) is a collection of devices that communicate as if they were on the same physical LAN. Any set of ports (including all ports on the switch) can be considered a VLAN.

LAN segments are not restricted by the hardware that physically connects them. The segments are defined by flexible user groups you create with the command-line interface.

VLANs offer the ability to group computers together into logical workgroups. This can simplify network administration when connecting clients to servers that are geographically dispersed across the building, campus, or enterprise network.

Typically, VLANs consist of co-workers within the same department but in different locations, groups of users running the same network protocol, or a cross-functional team working on a joint project. 

 

By using VLANs on your network, you can:

Other Considerations

CAUTION: When using IEEE 802 VLANs, settings must match between the switch and those adapters using the VLANs.


Last modified on 7/22/04 8:24a Revision 1