Network Router User Manual

212777-A, February 2002
43
CHAPTER 2
VLANs
This chapter describes network design and topology considerations for using Virtual Local Area
Networks (VLANs). VLANs are commonly used to split up groups of network users into man-
ageable broadcast domains, to create logical segmentation of workgroups, and to enforce security
policies among logical segments. The following topics are discussed in this chapter:
n “VLAN ID Numbers” on page 44
n “VLAN Tagging” on page 44
n “VLANs and the IP Interfaces” on page 45
This section briefly describes how management functions can only be accomplished from
stations on VLANs that include an IP interface to the switch.
n “VLAN Topologies and Design Issues” on page 45
This section discusses how you can logically connect users and segments to a host that
supports many logical segments or subnets by using the flexibility of the multiple VLAN
system.
n “VLANs and Spanning Tree Protocol” on page 49
n “VLANs and Default Gateways” on page 58
n “VLANs and Jumbo Frames” on page 63
NOTE – Basic VLANs can be configured during initial switch configuration (see “Using the
Setup Utility” in the Web OS Command Reference). More comprehensive VLAN configuration
can be done from the Command Line Interface (see “VLAN Configuration” as well as “Port
Configuration” in the Web OS Command Reference).