28/12/2018 629148 - VLAN FAQs

VLAN FAQs
629148 | Date Created: 10/31/2014 | Last Updated: 01/12/2018
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Questions
What is a VLAN?
What are the different types of VLANs?
How are Trunk links related to VLANs?
How are Access Ports related to VLANs?
When do I use a VLAN in a Stratix switch?

Answer

VLAN FAQs
A VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) is a broadcast domain defined within switches to allow control of Broadcast, Multicast, Unicast and unknown
unicast within Layer 2 devices.
VLANs are defined on a switch in an internal database know as a VLAN Trunking protocol. After a VLAN is created ports are assigned to the VLAN.
VLANs are created on Level 2 switches to control Broadcasts and enforces the use of a Layer 3 device for communications.
VLANs have a variety of configurable parameters, including name, type and state.
Several VLANs are reserved and some can be used for the internal purpose within a switch.
A VLAN can isolate different types of traffic (voice and data) to preserve the quality of the transmission and to minimize excess traffic.
VLANs can restrict Broadcasts for security purposes.
Each port on the switch is a member of a VLAN.
Devices connected to the switch ports in the same VLAN can communicate with each other and can share the same data Broadcasts and system
resources.
Devices that are connected to switch ports with different VLANs can not communicate with each other through the switch unless the switch has the
capability of doing InterVLAN routing.
Communications between VLANs can be use with Router.

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Trunk links are required to pass VLAN information between switches.

Different Types of VLANs

1. Default VLAN: usually the Management VLAN but, after the initial setup any User Defined VLAN on the
switch can be designated as the Management VLAN.
2. Access VLAN: for ports that can only belong to one VLAN and is used for Desktop for Automation and
Phone Automation smartports.
3. Native VLAN: is when ports on a switch can belong to more than one VLAN and used for Switch
for Automation, Router for Automation and Wireless for Automation smartport roles.

Access Ports
1. Access Ports belongs to one single VLAN.
2. Access Ports carry traffic that comes from only the VLAN assigned to the port.
3. Access Ports do not provide identifying marks on frames passed between switches.
4. Access Ports in switches are normally used to connect end devices like workstations, printers, PLCs, etc.

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