Appendix 2: Virtual Local Area Network (Vlan); Definitions; Software Configuration Of Vlans; Vlan Guidelines - pathway VIA PWVIA RM P12 User Manual

APPENDIX 2: VIRTUAL LOCAL AREA NETWORK (VLAN)

A VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) is a group of ports on the switch (or switches) that are configured to pass traffic to one
another, but not to ports on any other VLAN. When multiple VLANs are established, some ports on the switch may need to be
configured specifically to pass all VLAN traffic, to ensure overall traffic is routed correctly.
This feature allows the user to arrange lighting consoles, gateways and other network gear into groups of equipment. The usual
purpose is to minimize unnecessary traffic to the equipment, or to segregate different types of equipment (lighting, audio, video)
so that each network does not get flooded with superfluous data.

DEFINITIONS

The following terms are paired interchangeably in this manual: Normal and Untagged; Uplink and Tagged.
Normal/Untagged ports belong to a specific VLAN as configured by the user, and will only pass traffic that belongs to that
VLAN. Typically connected to end equipment.
Uplink/Tagged ports pass all network traffic with VLAN "tags" within the VLAN range established for that switch (see Range
Configuration below). Typically connected to other switches.
Tag refers to the marker added to (or removed from) the data packet as the packet enters or exits from a Normal/Untagged
port on the switch. The "Tag" determines which VLAN the data packet is assigned to.
Management VLAN refers to the VLAN that the switch's management processor is assigned to use. Care must be taken
that the Management VLAN is used by at least one Normal/Untagged port on the switch, or the ability to configure the switch
may be lost. It is strongly recommended that the Management VLAN be identical to the VLAN Range Start.
VLAN ID (ID#) is assigned to Normal/Untagged ports and determines which VLAN that port operates within.
A Normal/Untagged port may only be associated with one VLAN ID# at a given time.

SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION OF VLANs

VLANs may be configured using Pathscape software. Refer to the Pathscape documentation for in-depth configuration
instructions.
When using software to configure the switch, make sure your computer is connected to a Normal (Untagged) port set to
the same VLAN ID# as used by the management processor. Failure to do so will prevent configuration from being applied.

VLAN GUIDELINES

Plan the VLAN layout first. The creation of a map of the network, showing which devices to associate with which VLAN, is
strongly recommended prior to configuration.
Generally speaking, ports connected to end devices will be configured as Normal/Untagged and given a VLAN ID#.
Ports connected to other PWVIA switches will typically be set as Uplink/Tagged, so multiple VLANs may be forwarded
between switches, or when a VLAN must be forwarded through an intermediate switch (where that VLAN is not in use) on to
a third switch beyond. It is possible to set the ports to Normal/Untagged, and given a VLAN ID#, in cases where it's desirable
to pass only one VLAN between switches, but this is not a normal practice.
When configuring VLANs, remember that each switch must be uniquely identified on each VLAN in use on that switch. By
default, only the management VLAN is automatically assigned an IP and subnet mask. All other VLANs default to a null IP
address value (0.0.0.0). Use the Network Configuration options available from the VLAN configuration screen to configure
the desired IP settings for each VLAN.
84
PWVIA RM P12 Ethernet Switches - Manual July 2021