GE Multilink ML3000, Instruction Manual, Page: 167 / 356

MULTILINK ML3000 ETHERNET COMMUNICATIONS SWITCH – INSTRUCTION MANUAL 10–1
Multilink ML3000
Ethernet Communications Switch
Chapter 10: VLAN
GE Energy
VLAN
10.1 VLAN Description
10.1.1 Overview
Short for virtual LAN (VLAN), a VLAN creates separate broadcast domains or network
segments that can span multiple MultiLink switches. A VLAN is a group of ports designated
by the switch as belonging to the same broadcast domain. The IEEE 802.1Q specification
establishes a standard method for inserting VLAN membership information into Ethernet
frames.
VLANs provide the capability of having two (or more) Ethernet segments co-exist on
common hardware. The reason for creating multiple segments in Ethernet is to isolate
broadcast domains. VLANs can isolate groups of users, or divide up traffic for security,
bandwidth management, etc. VLANs are widely used today and are here to stay. VLANs
need not be in one physical location. They can be spread across geography or topology.
VLAN membership information can be propagated across multiple MultiLink switches.
The following figure illustrates a VLAN as two separate broadcast domains. The top part of
the figure shows two “traditional” Ethernet segments. Up to 32 VLANs can be defined per
switch.
FIGURE 10–1: VLAN as two separate broadcast domains