The SmartSwitch 2000 Chassis View

What is an 802.1Q Port-Based VLAN?

Switches that support the pre-standard IEEE 802.1Q draft specification for port-based VLANs act by classifying frames into VLAN membership. Usually, VLAN classification is based on tag headers (VLAN tags) in the headers of data frames. The tag header is inserted into the frame directly after the Source MAC address field. A four-byte field in the tag header is used as the VLAN identifier. These VLAN tags are added to data frames by the switch as the frames are transmitted and/or received by certain ports, and are later used to make forwarding decisions by the switch and other 802.1Q switches. In the absence of a VLAN tag, a frame is assigned VLAN membership according to the VLAN configuration of the switch port that receives the frame.

About 802.1Q VLAN Configuration and Operation

An 802.1Q VLAN is defined by assigning it a unique identification number (the VLAN ID) and an optional name. The VLAN ID is used to identify data frames that originate from, and are intended for, the ports assigned to the VLAN. Up to 64 VLANs may be created, with VLAN IDs ranging from 2-4094. VLAN ID 1 is reserved for the Default VLAN.

Ports on 802.1Q switches are assigned membership in a VLAN by associating a VLAN ID with each port on the switch. The VLAN ID is combined with the port’s identification (e.g., device X port X) to form the Port VLAN ID (PVID).

NOTE

NOTE

When 802.1Q mode is initially activated on a device, all ports are associated with the Default VLAN (VLAN ID 1). If a VLAN ID has not been assigned to a particular port on an 802.1Q switch, any frames received from that port will be classified as belonging to the Default VLAN.

When 802.1Q is implemented for a SmartSwitch 2000 that has an HSIM-A6DP installed, each LEC will be represented as an individual port which can be easily assigned membership in a VLAN.

For SmartSwitch 2000 firmware version 4.00.08 and above, the number of LECs supported by the HSIM-A6DP in 802.1Q mode is limited to 32.

Once VLANs have been configured and activated, all frames with unknown destination addresses (including broadcast, unknown multicast, and unknown unicast frames) will be contained within the VLAN of their origin. The switch’s Filtering Database tracks the associations between MAC addresses, VLAN eligibilities, and port numbers, and is used to make forwarding decisions for frames. All VLANs share a single Spanning Tree.

Managing the Hub

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Enterasys Networks 2000 manual What is an 802.1Q Port-Based VLAN?, About 802.1Q Vlan Configuration and Operation

2000 specifications

Enterasys Networks, a key player in the networking space in 2000, was renowned for its innovative solutions that combined high-performance networking with robust security features. Founded with the vision of providing enterprise-level networking infrastructure, Enterasys positioned itself to cater to the growing demands of business networks during the dot-com boom.

One of the main features of Enterasys Networks was its focus on delivering secure, scalable networking solutions that could seamlessly integrate with existing enterprise systems. The company developed a range of products including switches, routers, and wireless solutions that were designed to optimize performance while ensuring security at every layer. Their core offerings provided businesses with the reliability required to handle increasing volumes of data traffic.

A standout technology of Enterasys was its identity and access management solutions. These technologies allowed organizations to control who could access network resources and under what conditions. This was particularly crucial in a time when cyber threats were on the rise, and businesses were becoming more aware of the need for strict network security protocols. The features included role-based access control and authentication measures, which were fundamental in safeguarding sensitive information.

Enterasys also introduced intelligent networking features, which enabled dynamic traffic management and prioritization. This technology helped organizations optimize their network performance by automatically adjusting to changing workload demands. Such capabilities were essential for businesses relying on bandwidth-intensive applications and services.

The company also embraced the rising trend of wireless networking, providing solutions that combined wired and wireless technologies for a unified experience. Enterasys Wireless LAN solutions were groundbreaking at the time, offering seamless connectivity and security to mobile devices, thereby enhancing productivity and flexibility within enterprise environments.

In addition to hardware, Enterasys developed network management software that simplified the administration of complex networks. This software enabled IT professionals to monitor performance, troubleshoot issues, and implement security policies efficiently.

Overall, Enterasys Networks in 2000 was characterized by its commitment to delivering secure, intelligent networking solutions that catered to the needs of modern enterprises. With its innovative technologies and features, Enterasys played a significant role in shaping the networking landscape, laying the groundwork for future advancements in network security and management.