ZyXEL Communications Dimension GS-3012, User Manual, Page: 31 / 259

GS-3012/GS-3012F User’s Guide
Getting to Know the GS-3012 Series 1-5
1.3.3 High Performance Switched Workgroup Example
The switch is ideal for connecting two power workgroups that need high bandwidth. In the following example, use
trunking to connect these two power workgroups.
Switching to higher-speed LANs such as FDDI or ATM is not feasible for most people due to the expense of
replacing all existing Ethernet cables and adapter cards, restructuring your network and complex maintenance.
The GS can provide the same bandwidth as FDDI and ATM at much lower cost while still being able to use
existing adapters and switches. Moreover, the current LAN structure can be retained as all ports can freely
communicate with each other.
Figure 1-3 High Performance Switched Workgroup Application
1.3.4 IEEE 802.1Q VLAN Application Examples
This section shows a workgroup and a shared server example using 802.1Q tagged VLANs. For more information
on VLANs, see the
Switch Setup section and the VLAN Setup chapter in this User’s Guide. A VLAN (Virtual Local
Area Network) allows a physical network to be partitioned into multiple logical networks. Stations on a logical
network belong to one group. A station can belong to more than one group. With VLAN, a station cannot directly
talk to or hear from stations that are not in the same group(s) unless such traffic first goes through a router.
Tag-based VLAN Workgroup Example
Ports in the same VLAN group share the same broadcast domain thus increase network performance through
reduced broadcast traffic. VLAN groups can be modified at any time by adding, moving or changing ports without
any re-cabling.