User`s guide

Chapter 3: VLAN Operation
3-2 Port Based VLAN User’s Guide
3.3 CONFIGURATION PROCESS
A VLAN requires a series of configuration steps in order to begin
operating. Cabletron Systems VLAN aware SmartSwitches do not default
to VLAN mode, and the VLAN operation must be configured and
activated through software management.
3.3.1 Defining a VLAN
A VLAN must exist and have a unique identity before any ports or rules
can be assigned to it. The Administrator defines a VLAN by assigning it a
unique identification number (the VLAN ID) and an optional name. The
VLAN ID is the number that will identify data frames originating from,
and intended for, the ports that will belong to this new VLAN.
3.3.2 Assigning Ports to a VLAN
Now that a VLAN has been created, individual ports are given
membership in the VLAN. This is accomplished through software
management by associating a VLAN ID with each port on the VLAN
aware switch. This combination of the switch port’s identification and the
VLAN ID becomes the Port VLAN ID (PVID).
At the same time, the Administrator configures any needed trunk ports to
consider themselves members of every VLAN. The configuration of trunk
ports is very important in multiswitch VLAN configurations where
VLAN membership applies to users across several switches.
3.3.3 Customizing the VLAN’s Forwarding List
Once the ports that will participate in the VLAN have been associated
with a VLAN ID, the VLAN Forwarding List can be customized. The
information in the Forwarding List tells the VLAN aware switch what
ports are eligible to forward traffic for that particular VLAN.
NOTE
The actual steps involved in VLAN configuration using Local
Management are presented in Chapter 4, VLAN
Configuration .This brief section describes the actions that
must be taken in very general terms, and is intended only to aid
in the Administrator’s understanding of VLAN switch operation.