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| Sun Ethernet Fabric Operating System ### VLAN Administration Guide

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### Introduction

VLAN technology, defined under the IEEE 802.1q specifications, enables enterprises to extend the reach of their corporate networks across a WAN. VLANs enable partitioning of a LAN, based on functional requirements, while maintaining connectivity across all of the devices in the network. VLAN groups network devices and enables them to behave as if they are in one single network. Data security is ensured by keeping the data exchanged between the devices of a particular VLAN within the same network.

VLANs offer the following advantages over traditional LANs:

- Performance

  In networks with traffic consisting of a high percentage of broadcasts and multicasts, VLANs minimize the possibility of sending the broadcast and multicast traffic to unnecessary destinations.

- Formation of virtual workgroups

  VLANs help in forming virtual workgroups. When communication between the members of the workgroup is high, broadcasts and multicasts can be restricted within the workgroup.

- Simplified administration

  Most administration costs result from additions of users, movements in their physical locations, or changes to their configurations in the network. Every time a user is moved in a LAN, you must recable the workstation, add a new station address, and reconfigure hubs and routers. Some of these tasks can be simplified with the use of VLANs.

- Reduced cost

  VLANs can be used to create broadcast domains, which eliminate the need for expensive routers.

- Security

  Sensitive data can be broadcasted on a network. Placing only those users who are allowed access to such sensitive data on a VLAN can reduce the chances of an outsider gaining access to the data. VLANs can also be used to control broadcast domains, set up firewalls, restrict access, and inform the network manager of an intrusion.

A SEFOS VLAN logically segments the shared media LAN, forming virtual workgroups. This type of VLAN redefines and optimizes the basic transparent-bridging functions, such as learning, forwarding, filtering, and flooding.

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