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12.6 CONFIGURATION PROCESS
Before a VLAN can operate, steps must be performed to configure the switch to establish and
configure a VLAN. Cabletron Systems VLAN-aware SmartSwitches default to operate in the
802.1Q VLAN mode. However, further configuration is necessary to establish multiple logical
networks.
NOTE: The actual steps involved in VLAN configuration using Local Management are
presented in
very general terms, and is intended only to aid in the Administrator's understanding of
VLAN switch operation.
12.6.1 Defining a VLAN
A VLAN must exist and have a unique identity before any ports or rules can be assigned to it. The
Administrator defines a VLAN by assigning it a unique identification number (the VLAN ID), a
filter database association, and an optional name. The VLAN ID is the number that will identify
data frames originating from, and intended for, the ports that will belong to this new VLAN.
12.6.2 Classifying Frames to a VLAN
Now that a VLAN has been created, rules are defined to classify all frames in a VLAN. This is
accomplished through management by associating a VLAN ID with each port on the switch.
Optionally, frames can be classified according to layer 2/3/4 information contained in the frame.
At the same time, the Administrator configures the trunk ports that need to consider themselves
members of every VLAN. The configuration of trunk ports is very important in multiswitch VLAN
configurations where a frame's VLAN membership needs to be maintained across several
switches.
12.6.3 Customizing the VLAN Forwarding List
Each port on a VLAN-aware switch has a VLAN forwarding list that contains, as a minimum, the
PVID of the VLAN configured. Additionally, the Port VLAN Forwarding List of each port can be
configured to allow any number of VLANs to be added to its list. In the case of GMRP (dynamic
VLANs), the list can have VLANs added and deleted by the switch as directed by the protocol.
Section
12.8. This brief section describes the actions that must be taken in
VLAN Operation and Network Applications
Configuration Process
12-7
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