254 Configuring Device Information
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Configuring VLANs
VLANs are logical subgroups of a Local Area Network (LAN) created via software rather than
defining a hardware solution. VLANs combine user stations and network devices into a single
domain regardless of the physical LAN segment to which they are attached. VLANs allow network
traffic to flow more efficiently within subgroups. VLANs managed through software reduces the
amount of time in which network changes are implemented.
VLANs have no minimum number of ports, and can be created per device or any other logical
connection combination, as VLANs are software based and not defined by physical attributes.
VLANs function at Layer 2. Since VLANs isolate traffic within the VLAN, a Layer 3 router
functioning router is needed to allows traffic flow between VLANs. Layer 3 routers identify
segments and coordinate with VLANs. VLANs are broadcast and Multicast domains. Broadcast and
Multicast traffic is transmitted only in the VLAN in which the traffic is generated.
VLAN tagging provides a method of transferring VLAN information between VLAN groups. VLAN
tagging attaches a tag to packet headers. The VLAN tag indicates to which VLAN the packet
belongs. VLAN tags are attached to the packet by either the end station or by the network device.
VLAN tags also contains VLAN network priority information. Combining VLANs and GVRP
enables the automatic dispersal of VLAN information. To open the
VLAN
page, click
Switch
→
VLAN
in the tree view.