3com 3CDSG10PWR User Guide

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 VLAN
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VLANs are logical subgroups with a Local Area Network (LAN) which 
combine user stations and network devices into a single unit, regardless 
of the physical LAN segment to which they are attached. VLANs allow 
network traffic to flow more efficiently within subgroups. VLANs use 
software to reduce the amount of time it takes for network changes, 
additions, and moves to be implemented. VLANs restrict traffic within the 
VLAN.
VLANs have no minimum number of ports, and can be created per unit, 
per device, or through any other logical connection combination, since 
they are software-based and not defined by physical attributes.
VLANs function at Layer 2. Since VLANs isolate traffic within the VLAN, a 
Layer 3 router working at a protocol level is required to allow 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. VLAN1is the default VLAN and always contains 
untagged ports. All ports are members of VLAN1 by default. If the 
untagged port is moved to a new VLAN, the port is removed from 
VLAN1. For example: If an untagged port 24 is moved to VLAN 5. The 
port will no longer be a member of VLAN1. However, if the port is added 
to VLAN5 as a tagged port it then remains untagged in VLAN1.
This section contains the following topics: