Configuring Vlans; Defining Vlan Members - Dell PowerConnect 5316M User Manual

Configuring VLANs

VLANs are logical subgroups of a Local Area Network (LAN) created via software rather than
defining a hardware solution. VLANs combine user stations and network devices into a single
domain regardless of the physical LAN segment to which they are attached. VLANs allow network
traffic to flow more efficiently within subgroups. VLANs managed through software reduces the
amount of time in which network changes are implemented.
VLANs have no minimum number of ports, and can be created per switch module or any other
logical connection combination, as VLANs are software based and not defined by physical
attributes.
VLANs function at Layer 2. Since VLANs isolate traffic within the VLAN, a Layer 3 functioning
router is needed to allows traffic flow between VLANs. Layer 3 routers identify segments and
coordinate with VLANs. VLANs are Broadcast and Multicast domains. Broadcast and Multicast
traffic is transmitted only in the VLAN in which the traffic is generated.
VLAN tagging provides a method of transferring VLAN information between VLAN groups. VLAN
tagging attaches a tag to packet headers. The VLAN tag indicates to which VLAN the packet
belongs. VLAN tags are attached to the packet by either the end station or by the network devices.
VLAN tags also contains VLAN network priority information. Combining VLANs and GVRP
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enables the automatic dispersal of VLAN information. To open the VLAN page, click Switch
VLAN in the tree view.

Defining VLAN Members

The VLAN Membership page contains fields for defining VLAN groups. The maximum number of
VLANs which can be created on the Ethernet Switch Module is 255. The IDs of created VLANs
can range from 2 through 4094. All ports must have a defined PVID. If no other value is
configured the default VLAN PVID is used. VLAN number 1 is the default VLAN, and cannot be
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deleted from the system. To open the VLAN Membership, click Switch VLAN VLAN
Membership in the tree view.
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Configuring Switch Module Information