Time: September 13th, 2023
What is
VLAN
configuration
and how it is being used in current network technology? We have explained it here.
We all see this abbreviation on computer screens and smart devices, but do you know what it is?
What is
VLAN
?
The abbreviation refers to a
virtual local area network
in which a group of logically connected devices having all the functions of a
local area network
make up a
VLAN
. All the smart devices present in a VLAN can operate on their own without being physically connected or connected to the same network. This is opposite to what happens in a traditional LAN network.
This is possible because the links which are established between devices in a
VLAN
are built logically rather than physically and then the entire network is made more adaptable. This type of network makes the entire setup simpler because the
connectivity
between the devices attached to them is unaffected by the physical locations of the network. Wherever you will find them, you will see that they typically bring network scalability, security, and management to a setup.
What is
VLAN
configuration
?
Similar to the basic LAN, a
VLAN
normally runs on Layer 2 of the network, also known as the
broadcast domain
, at the
Ethernet
level. Ethernet broadcast packets are received by the connected network devices at layer 2 of the LAN. When it comes to the configuration of VLAN, it is a networking technique that applies splitting a physical network into numerous logical segments in which each segment can operate as a separate network as well. They work this way even though they physically share the same network.
The process of creating VLANs and their configuration begins with assigning a
VLAN ID
to each logical segment being created. Each segment distinguishes one
VLAN
from another through unique VLAN IDs. These IDs are special numerical values that can range from 1 to 4094. Once each segment is assigned o particular VLAN and its ID, then comes the step to set up the
network interface
of each device, such as a switch port, which is then set up to join a certain VLAN. Whichever device will be connected to the network is allowed to communicate with one another within the same VLAN is determined by their membership.
The Layer 2
VLAN
configuration
ensures that machines on the LAN can interact as though they were connected to the same wire even though they are spread across several separate LAN segments. Because traffic no longer belongs to the same LAN once it engages Layer 3 services via a
router
, a single site can have numerous interconnected LANs. Because they are based on logical connections rather than physical connections, VLANs are adaptable. One network is divided into numerous virtual networks using the configuration of VLAN, each of which can accommodate a variety of requirements and use cases.
Below is the generic way how to configure a few different types of switches for usage with VLANs. This guideline will apply to most if not all, 802.1Q capable switches before delving into setup on specific brands as well:
In the
VLAN
global configuration command of your switching is where you will configure VLANs by supplying a
VLAN ID
. Enter a new VLAN ID to establish a new VLAN, or an existing VLAN ID to edit an existing VLAN. When you have done configuring the VLAN, you must exit
VLAN configuration
mode for the changes to take effect. To store the configuration in the
startup
configuration file, use the copy running-config startup-config privileged EXEC command. Enter the show VLAN privileged EXEC command to view the VLAN setup and then save the settings.
Conclusion:
This article talked about
VLAN
configuration
and how to do it the right way among most of the switches out there. Most people mistake in that their VLAN
IDs
do not overlap across switches or VLAN domains. To resolve this, plan and synchronize VLAN configurations, use VLAN
pruning
, and implement VLAN trunking protocols.
In conclusion, proper
VLAN
design and implementation are essential for a well-organized and efficient network infrastructure. Hope the information provided in this article has been helpful to you.
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