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List:       linux-vlan
Subject:    [VLAN] Re: [VLAN] Re: [VLAN] FAQ?
From:       sxtaj () alaska ! edu sxtaj () alaska ! edu
Date:       1999-12-09 6:36:42
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On Wed, 8 Dec 1999, Ben Greear wrote:
> 
> If someone wants to compile a list of FAQs, I'll gladly publish it or link
> to it...if not..I'll probably get one written some day soon anyway...

1:  What's the purpose of VLAN?
2:  What standards are supported?
3:  How to I get it?
4:  How do I build it?
5:  How do I install it?
6:  How do I use it?
7:  Troubleshooting
8:  Pitfalls
9:  Examples/HOWTO
???more

1: What's the purpose of VLAN?

Current advances in networking equipment and protocol standards is making
it possible for a network trancend its physical topology through the
creation of virtual topologies which exist within the physical topology.
Given the nature of speed vs. cost, it makes sense to use fewer high speed
circuits on the network backbone, but still provide the flexibility many
real circuits can give to network design. The ability to utilize Virtual
Local Area Networks (VLANs) gives designers the ability to create within a
single circuit, multiple virtual circuits. One method of doing this is
specified in the 802.1q standard. This VLAN software gives most Linux
network interfaces the ability to take advantage 802.1q trunks. These
trunks allow you to create within them up to 4096(?) VLANS. These
capabilities are also available in many(all?) current Ethernet switching
products (though not all can utilize 802.1q trunks!). Even without such
devices the Linux VLAN software allows one to create VLANs on simple hub
based networks, though switches provide additional performance, and are
becoming more and more previlent in workgroup and enterprise enviroments.
Additionally in a switched enviroment with multiple VLANS and ip subnets
using these VLANs, it is possible to use a Linux machine to act as an IP
router, allowing the VLANs/Subnets to talk with each other, though only
needing at least one ethernet interface on the Linux machine. These
capabilites are also availble in many routers, but you can take advantage
of them with your Linux lower cost machine. [anything more?]

2: What standards are supported

Currently only 802.1q is supported.

3-6: Basically covered in existing docs.
7-8:  Anyone want to do these?
9: See my previous message for one.

Hopefully this can get things started.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Timothy Jones
Network Communication Specialist
University of Alaska Information Technology Services
907-474-2414
Public PGP key @ http://radius.sons.alaska.edu/TimothyJones.asc

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