A VLAN is a switched network that is logically segmented, by functions, project teams, or applications rather than on a physical or geographical basis. For example, all workstations and servers used by a particular workgroup team can be connected to the same VLAN, regardless of their physical connections to the network or the fact that they might be intermingled with other teams. You can use software to reconfiguration the network rather than physically unplugging and moving devices or wires.

A VLAN can be thought of as a broadcast domain that exists within a defined set of switches. A VLAN consists of a number of end systems, either hosts or network equipment (such as bridges and routers), connected by a single bridging domain. The bridging domain is supported on various pieces of network equipment; for example, LAN switches that operate bridging protocols between them with a separate group for each VLAN.

The basic wireless components of a VLAN consist of an access point and a client associated to it using wireless technology. In fundamental terms, the key to configuring an access point to connect to a specific VLAN is by configuring its SSID to recognize that VLAN. Since VLANs are identified by a VLAN ID, it follows that if the SSID on an access point is configured to recognize a specific VLAN ID, a connection to the VLAN is established. After this connection is made, associated wireless client devices having the same SSID can access the VLAN through the access point. The VLAN processes data to and from the clients the same way that it processes data to and from wired connections.

Global VLAN Properties

Current Native VLAN

Specifies which VLAN was designated as the native VLAN. This selection is made by checking the checkbox under the VLAN ID field that denotes "Native VLAN."

Assigned VLANs

Current VLAN List

By choosing a VLAN from this list, the VLAN ID and SSID for this VLAN is displayed. You can then click Delete to remove the VLAN or click Define SSIDs to move to the SSID Manager window.

Create VLAN

If you are adding a VLAN, use this section to create the VLAN and assign the SSID to it.

VLAN ID

Specifies the virtual Ethernet LAN identification number tied to the SSID. You can assign a name to a VLAN in addition to its numerical ID.

Click to check the checkbox if you want this VLAN ID to be the native VLAN.

Click to check the checkbox and enable public secure packet forwarding so the protected port can be used for secure mode configuration.

Click to check which radio interface you are associating with this VLAN ID.

SSID

Specifies the SSID tied to the VLAN.

VLAN Information

View Information for

Use the drop-down menu to display the list of created VLANs. After you highlight a VLAN from the list, you see the values for fast ethernet packets received, fast ethernet packets transmitted, radio packets received, and radio packets transmitted.

 

See Also: Configuring and Enabling VLANs with SSIDs