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Chapter 2:
VLAN Operation
2-2 802.1Q VLAN User’s Guide
2.3 CONFIGURATION PROCESS
Before a VLAN can operate, steps must be performed to configure the
switch to establish and configure a VLAN. Cabletron Systems VLAN
aware SmartSwitches default to operate in the 802.1Q VLAN mode.
However, further configuration is necessary to establish multiple logical
networks.
2.3.1 Defining a VLAN
A VLAN must exist and have a unique identity before any ports or rules
can be assigned to it. The Administrator defines a VLAN by assigning it a
unique identification number (the VLAN ID), a filter database
association, and an optional name. The VLAN ID is the number that will
identify data frames originating from, and intended for, the ports that will
belong to this new VLAN.
2.3.2 Classifying Frames to a VLAN
Now that a VLAN has been created, rules are defined to classify all
frames in a VLAN. This is accomplished through management by
associating a VLAN ID with each port on the switch. Optionally, frames
can be classified according to a protocol identifier contained within the
frame. The order of frame classification priority is by VLAN Tag, a
protocol match, and lastly the PVID. This combination of the switch
port’s identification and the VLAN ID becomes the Port VLAN ID
(PVID).
At the same time, the Administrator configures the trunk ports that need to
consider themselves members of every VLAN. The configuration of trunk
ports is very important in multiswitch VLAN configurations where a
frame’s VLAN membership needs to be maintained across several
switches.
NOTE
The actual steps involved in VLAN configuration using Local
Management are presented in Chapter 3,
VLAN
Configuration
.This brief section describes the actions that
must be taken in very general terms, and is intended only to aid
in the Administrator’s understanding of VLAN switch operation.