Why VLAN Tagging Is Important?

Most people might be wondering Why VLAN Tagging is important. Actually VLAN, which is sometimes called as Virtual LAN, is a type of connection that allows administrators to change the connectivity from other networks. VLAN allows conventional LAN the freedom to be changed. VLAN, in perspective, is actually composed of several devices that are connected to each other through a network and share access through various sections. Of course, IEEE 802.1Q is also used in terms of VLAN. A standard IEEE 802.1 workgroup has the ability to connect through multiple networks which are bridged together in a physical network. The hardware connected in the network can send several protocols and implement mechanisms over the other hardware devices. So, IEEE 802.1D provides a protocol that allows sharing using a type of switch that has layer 3 capabilities through a router. However, the true nature of VLAN actually depends according to its categories. One of the categories for VLAN Tagging is Protocol based VLAN. In this type of category, IP traffic is actually filtered through a specific protocol that communicated with other neighboring stations within the network. The communication through other networks is configured in a switch and a layer 4 protocol is applied in the connection. An example for this kind of connection is the IPX. Another type of tagging is MAC-based VLAN. This type of connection allows Individual MAC addresses to be shared within the network and VLAN membership setting is applied so that other individual devices would have access. Aside from MAC based, ATM VLAN is also one of the most famous categories for networking. This category is based on LAN type emulation or LANE protocol. Such a protocol allows packet mapping which is done through various ATM cells. ATM VLAN also delivers all the packets to their destination through conversion of the MAC address. Finally, the last type of category is the Port-based VLAN which is actually based on physical switch support through an access list which would automatically identify the members that are connected within the network. Since VLAN Tagging is based on a logical perspective rather than in total physical connectivity, it is actually very efficient when it comes to bandwidth allocation, resource sharing, optimization of data as well as host and user management which is often based in private infrastructures such as in schools and offices. Most homes can also benefit from such a connection provided that a number of computers are connected within the network otherwise such a protocol would be useless. Some of the great places where VLAN connections should be practiced would be in public groups or networks providing WiFi connection to customers and large malls. Shopping outlets that run through POS or Point of Sale programs would also benefit from using this form of connection. Since the connected hardware devices are divided for security, any intrusions as well as spread of viruses would be limited. Hence, such a connection would be the best type of sharing in any kind of public network.

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