296 Configuring Switch Information
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Root Port 1 (ig)
Hello Time 2 sec Max Age 20 sec Forward Delay 15 sec
IST Master ID Priority 32768
Address 00:02:4b:19:7a:00
Path Cost 10000
Rem hops 19
Bridge ID Priority 32768
Address 00:02:4b:29:7a:00
Hello Time 2 sec Max Age 20 sec Forward Delay 15 sec
Max hops 20

Configuring VLANs

VLANs are logical subgroups with a LAN created via software, rather than defining a hardware
solution. VLANs 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 managed through software reduce the amount of time
network changes, additions, and moves are implemented.
VLANs have no minimum number of ports, and can be created per unit, per device, per stack, or
any other logical connection combination, as VLANs are software based and not defined by
physical attributes.
VLANs function at a layer 2 level. Since VLANs isolate traffic within the VLAN, a layer 3 router
working a protocol level is needed to allows traffic flow between VLANs. Layer 3 routers identify
segments and coordinate with VLANs. VLANs are broadcast and multicast domain. 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. VLAN
tagging attaches a 4-byte tag to packet headers. The VLAN tag indicates to which VLAN the packet
belongs. VLAN tags are attached to the VLAN by either the end station or by the network device.
VLAN tags also contains VLAN network priority information.
Combining VLANs and GVRP allows network managers to define network nodes into broadcast
domains. Broadcast and Multicast traffic is confined to the originating group.
To display the
VLAN
page, click
Switch
VLAN
in the tree view.

Defining VLAN Membership

Use the
VLAN Membership
page to define VLAN groups.
To open the
VLAN Membership
page, click
Switch
VLAN
VLAN Membership
in the tree view.