The physical LAN network consists of a switch, two servers, and five clients. The LAN is logically organized into three different VLANs, each representing a different IP subnet.

■VLAN 1 is an IP subnet consisting of the Main Server, Client 3, and Client 5. This represents an engineering group.

■VLAN 2 includes the Main Server, Clients 1 and 2 by means of a shared media segment, and Client 5. This is a software development group.

■VLAN 3 includes the Main Server, the Accounting Server and Client 4. This is an accounting group.

The Main Server is a high-use server that needs to be accessed from all VLANs and IP subnets. The server has a Sun GigaSwift Ethernet adapter installed. All three IP subnets are accessed by means of the single physical adapter interface. The server is attached to one of the SunSwitch’s Gigabit Ethernet ports, which is configured for VLANs 1, 2, and 3. Both the adapter and the connected SunSwitch™ port have tagging turned on. Because of the tagging VLAN capabilities of both devices, the sever is able to communicate on all three IP subnets in this network, but continues to maintain broadcast separation between all of them.

The Accounting Server is available to VLAN 3 only. It is isolated from all traffic on VLANs 1 and 2. The switch port connected to the server has tagging turned off.

Clients 1 and 2 are attached to a shared media hub that is then connected to the switch. They belong to VLAN 2 only, and are logically in the same IP subnet as the Main Server and Client 5. The switch port connected to this segment has tagging turned off.

Client 3 is a member of VLAN 1, and can communicate only with the Main Server and Client 5. Tagging is not enabled on Client 3’s switch port.

Client 4 is a member of VLAN 3, and can communicate only with the servers. Tagging is not enabled on Client 4’s switch port.

Client 5 is a member of both VLANs 1 and 2, and has a Sun GigaSwift Ethernet adapter installed. It is connected to switch port 10. Both the adapter and the switch port are configured for VLANs 1 and 2 and have tagging enabled.

VLAN tagging is only required to be enabled on switch ports that create trunk links to other VLAN-aware Ethernet switches, or on ports connected to tag-capable end- stations, such as servers or workstations with VLAN-aware adapters.

Chapter 5 Configuring VLANs 65

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Sun Microsystems GigaSwift Ethernet Adapter manual Configuring VLANs
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GigaSwift Ethernet Adapter specifications

The Sun Microsystems GigaSwift Ethernet Adapter is a high-performance network interface card that was designed to provide advanced connectivity solutions for enterprise environments. Launched in the early 2000s, this adapter caters to the increasing demands for speed and efficiency in networking, especially amidst the rise of data-intensive applications.

One of the standout features of the GigaSwift Ethernet Adapter is its capability to support gigabit Ethernet technology, delivering data transfer rates of up to 1 Gbps. This allows organizations to boost their network throughput significantly, ensuring that bandwidth-intensive applications, such as video conferencing, online collaboration, and large file transfers, can be handled without significant lag or disruption.

The adapter utilizes a PCI-X interface, which enhances its performance compared to traditional PCI interfaces. This allows for higher bandwidth operations, making the GigaSwift suitable for servers and workstations that require robust connectivity. It is backward compatible with earlier Ethernet standards, which means it can seamlessly communicate with existing network infrastructures, preserving investments in legacy technologies.

Another critical characteristic of the GigaSwift Ethernet Adapter is its support for various networking protocols. It is designed to operate in diverse networking environments, supporting both full-duplex and half-duplex modes, which maximizes its efficiency in data transmission. This flexibility makes it an ideal choice for heterogeneous networks where different devices and standards coexist.

Furthermore, the adapter features advanced error detection and correction technologies, ensuring reliable transmission of data over the network. With features such as flow control and jumbo frame support, it enhances the efficiency and performance of large-scale data transfers.

The GigaSwift also comes equipped with diagnostic and management utilities, allowing network administrators to monitor the network performance effectively. This is crucial for identifying bottlenecks and optimizing network configurations to ensure peak operational efficiency.

Overall, the Sun Microsystems GigaSwift Ethernet Adapter is an essential tool for businesses looking to upgrade their networking infrastructure. Its combination of speed, versatility, and reliability allows enterprises to adopt next-generation networking solutions while maintaining compatibility with existing systems, ultimately contributing to a more robust and efficient IT environment.
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