4
A
D
V
A
N
C
E
D
M
A
N
A
G
E
M
E
N
T
Virtual LANs (VLANs)
Setting up Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) on the MSH Switch
1005 provides you with less time-consuming network administration
and more efficient network operation.
The following sections explain more about the concept of VLANs and
explain how they can be implemented on the Switch 1005.
What are VLANs?
A VLAN is defined as a group of location- and topology- independent
devices that communicate as if they are on the same physical LAN. This
means that LAN segments are n ot restricted by the hardware which
physically connects them; the segments a re defined by flexible user
groups that you create using soft ware.
With VLANs, you can define your network according to:
■
Organizational groups
— for example, you can have one VLAN for
the Marketing department and one for the Finance department.
Alternatively, you can have one VLAN for users with managerial status
and one for users of director status.
■
Application groups
— for example, you can have one VLAN for users
of email, and another VLAN for users of multimedia.