KTI Networks KS-2240 - Manual (Page 21)

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3.5 Virtual LAN (VLAN)
Each port of the switch unit connects to one individual LAN segment.
There can be many Ethernet nodes located on each segment. The switch
performs network data forwarding between different LAN segments. It al-
lows Ethernet nodes located on different segments to communicate with
each other. Basically, all Ethernet nodes are in one single LAN.
A Virtual LAN (VALN) is a logical, independent workgroup within a net-
work. The member in this workgroup communicate as if they are sharing
the same physical LAN segment. VLANs are not limited by the hardware
constraints that physically connect traditional LAN segments to a net-
work. As a result, VLANs can define a network into multiple logical
configurations.
Because VLANs are self-contained, only the devices within the same
VLAN can communicate with each other. If a device in one VLAN
wants to communicate with a device in another VLAN, the traffic must
go through a router. This would enhance the security of the network. In
addition, broadcasts from servers within each group would go to the
members of its own VLAN. This ensures that broadcasts cannot cause a
network meltdown due to traffic volume.
Implementation
The VLAN implementation of this switch allows up to 256 VLANs in one
switch. By using explicit or implicit VLAN tagging and the GARP/GVRP
protocol (IEEE 802.1p and 802.1Q), VLANs may span across multiple
switches. A MAC address can belong to multiple VLANs, and a switched
port may be associated with multiple VLANs.
Static Definitions of VLAN Membership
The switch defines VLAN membership based on ports. Port based VLANs
are organized by physical port numbers. The definitions are configured
through the supported network management console.