What is VLAN ID Ranges?
A VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) ID Range refers to the set of numerical identifiers that can be assigned to VLANs within a network. These identifiers are significant for network segmentation, management, and security.
Considerations
Definition and Purpose: VLAN is a method to create multiple distinct broadcast domains in a Layer 2 network. Each VLAN is identified by a VLAN ID, a unique number assigned to each VLAN.
These IDs are essential for maintaining traffic separately and secure within different VLANs. VLANs enhance network efficiency and security by logically segmenting networks at the data link layer (Layer 2 of the OSI model).
Standard and Extended VLAN Ranges: There are two primary VLAN ID ranges:
Standard VLANs: Range from 1 to 1005. Within this range, VLAN IDs 1 and 1002-1005 are reserved. VLAN 1 is the default VLAN and is used for administrative purposes. VLANs 1002-1005 are reserved for token ring and FDDI VLANs.
Extended VLANs: Range from 1006 to 4094. This range is used for newer deployments and allows for a greater number of VLANs on a network. Extended VLANs are particularly useful in larger or more complex network environments.
Configuration and Management
VLAN IDs are set up on network devices like switches and routers. Admins allocate VLAN IDs to certain ports on a switch, deciding which VLAN a connected device is part of. This setup manages communication between devices on various VLANs.
Significance in Network Design: VLANs are essential in network design for several reasons:
Security: They provide a method to isolate sensitive data and traffic from other parts of the network.
Traffic Management: VLANs can reduce network congestion by separating large broadcast domains into smaller ones.
Flexibility: VLANs offer the flexibility to group users or devices functionally rather than geographically.
Technical Standards: VLAN ID ranges are defined by IEEE 802.1Q, the networking standard that supports virtual LANs on an Ethernet network.
Cisco Catalyst 2960 switch supports 255 normal and extended range VLANs
In addition to numerical VLAN IDs, VLANs are often associated with names for easier identification. These names are alphanumeric and can be assigned by
network administrators based on the function or location of the VLAN. For example:
VLAN 10 might be named “Sales.”
VLAN 20 might be named “Marketing.”
Assigning meaningful names to VLANs enhances network management and troubleshooting by providing a clear indication of the purpose or department associated with each VLAN.
In summary, VLAN ID ranges provide a systematic way to segregate and manage network traffic, enhancing both the performance and security of a network. Understanding and effectively utilizing these ranges is a key skill for network administrators and is crucial in both small and large-scale network environments
VLAN Switch Port Membership Types of VLAN
