A VLAN is a switched network that is logically segmented, by functions,
project teams, or applications rather than on a physical or geographical
basis. For example, all workstations and servers used by a particular
workgroup team can be connected to the same VLAN, regardless of
their physical connections to the network or the fact that they
might be intermingled with other teams. You can use software to
reconfiguration the network rather than physically unplugging and
moving bridges or wires.
A VLAN can be thought of as a broadcast domain that exists within
a defined set of switches. A VLAN consists of a number of end systems,
either hosts or network equipment (such as bridges and routers),
connected by a single bridging domain. The bridging domain is supported
on various pieces of network equipment; for example, LAN switches
that operate bridging protocols between them with a separate group
for each VLAN.
The basic wireless components of a VLAN consist of an access point
and a client associated to it using wireless technology. In fundamental
terms, the key to configuring an access point to connect to a specific
VLAN is by configuring its SSID to recognize that VLAN. Since VLANs
are identified by a VLAN ID, it follows that if the SSID on an access
point is configured to recognize a specific VLAN ID, a connection
to the VLAN is established. After this connection is made, associated
wireless client devices having the same SSID can access the VLAN
through the access point. The VLAN processes data to and from the
clients the same way that it processes data to and from wired connections.
Current Native VLAN
Specifies which VLAN was designated as the native
VLAN. This selection is made by checking the check box under the
VLAN ID field that denotes "Native VLAN."
Current VLAN List
Choose a VLAN from this list. You can then click
Delete to remove the VLAN or define a VLAN.
Create VLAN
If you are adding a VLAN, use this section to
create the VLAN and assign the SSID to it.
VLAN ID
Specifies the virtual Ethernet LAN identification
number tied to the SSID.
Click to check the check box if you want this
VLAN ID to be the native VLAN.
Click to check the check box and enable public
secure packet forwarding if you want the protected port to be
used for secure mode configuration.
STP
Determine if you want to enable or disable
spanning tree protocol. Bridges use STP to eliminate loops in
an extended network. If you choose to enable this feature, bridges
exchange bridge protocol data unit messages with other bridges
to detect loops, and the bridges shut down selected port to
stop the loops.
View Information for
Use the drop-down menu to display the list of
created VLANs. After you highlight a VLAN from the list, you see
the values for fast ethernet packets received, fast ethernet packets
transmitted, radio packets received, and radio packets transmitted.
See Also: Configuring
and Enabling the VLAN with an SSID
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