How to Setup VLAN on Switch? | Definitions & Fundamental Differences

Wondering how to setup VLAN on switch? This article explains how to do so and are direct advantages of doing so. Read till the end to learn all about it.

What is a VLAN?

A logical network can be created within a physical network infrastructure using a VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network), a network technology. It gives network administrators the ability to divide a single physical network into numerous virtual networks, enhancing network management, security, and efficiency.

Devices are organized into groups in a VLAN based on their logical connections rather than their physical connections. Regardless of where they are physically located, devices that are part of the same VLAN can communicate with one another as if they were on the same physical network. Network packets are grouped by applying VLAN tags or identifiers, which enable switches and routers to distinguish between various VLANs and route traffic appropriately.

What is a Switch?

A switch is a network device that functions at the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model's data link layer (Layer 2). In a local area network (LAN), it is frequently used to link devices and enable communication between them. Using the MAC (Media Access Control) addresses of the devices that are connected to the switch, switches receive network traffic in the form of frames and route them to the proper location.

How to Setup VLAN on Switch?

The development of a virtual local area network (VLAN) enables the creation of distinct broadcast domains on a switch. A Layer 3 device, such as a router, can help the broadcast domains connect. Regardless of where the hosts are physically situated, a VLAN is mostly used to create groups among the hosts. As a result, a VLAN enhances security by facilitating host group formation. 

A VLAN cannot function after it is built; it must first be manually or dynamically attached to at least one port. Making a separate VLAN for voice and a separate VLAN for data is among the most popular reasons to set up a VLAN on a switch and it can be done in the following typical steps:

Switch Configuration: Use a console cable or a web-based management interface to connect to the switch. To configure VLANs, you require administrator access.

Create VLANS: Determine the number and function of the VLANs you want to construct before beginning. Each VLAN should be created using the switch configuration interface, and each VLAN should be given a name and a VLAN ID (a number). 

Assign Ports to VLANs: Decide which switch ports should be assigned to each VLAN before assigning ports to VLANs. Set up the switch such that certain ports are assigned to particular VLANs. Normally, you may accomplish this by choosing the port and assigning it the proper VLAN ID.