Network Load Control
Basic Configuration
Release
6.0
07/2010
8.6
VLANs
157
8.6 VLANs
8.6.1 VLAN Description
In the simplest case, a virtual LAN (VLAN) consists of a group of network
participants in one network segment who can communicate with each other
as if they belonged to a separate LAN.
More complex VLANs span out over multiple network segments and are also
based on logical (instead of only physical) connections between network
participants. Thus VLANs are an element of flexible network design, as you
can reconfigure logical connections centrally more easily than cable
connections.
The IEEE 802.1Q standard defines the VLAN function.
The most important benefits of VLANs are:
X Network load limiting
VLANs can reduce the network load considerably as a Switch only
transmits Broadcast/Multicast data packets and Unicast packets with
unknown (unlearned) destination addresses within the virtual LAN. The
rest of the data network is unaffected by this.
X Flexibility
You have the option of forming user groups flexibly based on the function
of the participants and not on their physical location or medium.
X Clarity
VLANs give networks a clear structure and make maintenance easier.
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