Each VLAN configuration process will look a little different, depending on the specifications you bring to the table, and some of these steps - particularly steps five through eight - may be completed simultaneously, in a slightly different order, or even in a more automated fashion if you choose to set up a dynamic VLAN. Still, in general, your network stands the best chance of success if you complete the following 12 VLAN configuration steps and document your processes, strategies, and requirements along the way.
At this point in VLAN creation and configuration, it's time to determine what VLAN groupings make the most sense for your network's strategic complexities.
Consider not only how many VLANs you'll need but also the purpose each VLAN will serve and how they need to be set up to fulfill that purpose.
While many organizations stick to more traditional boundaries like physical locations or departments, there may be more effective and secure ways for you to group and set up VLAN rules.
Every single VLAN you set up will need a unique VLAN identification number so you can segment network traffic to the appropriate places and keep documentation organized for multiple VLANs simultaneously.
Before you even begin setting up your VLANs and connecting devices and switches, the best way to ensure a successful VLAN network setup is to map out the specificities and relationships of your network with a network diagram.
You should now connect VLAN servers, end-user devices, and other relevant network devices - as long as their IP addresses are already configured - to the switch ports that have been selected for the corresponding VLAN group.
While individual devices, ports, switches, and routers have not yet necessarily been configured in their settings to align with a certain VLAN and function, you should still know which devices and network components have been set aside for which VLANs.
If you are opting to create a dynamic VLAN instead of a static VLAN, steps five through eight may look a little different for you.
Many of your ports will simply need to be set up as access ports in the switch's settings; an access port is a simple connection that allows devices to connect to only one VLAN. Access ports are most appropriate for devices and users that will not be using VLAN tagging or participating in inter-VLAN routing.
Create the number of VLANs you determined were necessary in previous steps and assign them the unique VLAN IDs you selected in step two.
VLAN tagging is the process through which VLAN network traffic is further segmented and specialized.
If you choose to set up trunk ports with multiple VLANs running through them, as demonstrated in step six, you'll need to make sure at least some of your VLANs receive tags so traffic doesn't get muddled in trunk ports.
If your network requires VLAN-to-VLAN communication as a part of its regular operations, you'll want to use the VLAN tags you set up in the previous step to direct inter-VLAN routing.
While it sounds counterintuitive to open traffic flow between VLANs, many organizations choose to do this because the different layer at which routers operate makes it possible for them to still control what types of traffic flow across VLANs and when and how devices and users move from VLAN to VLAN. As part of the inter-VLAN configuration step, you may also need to set up or double-check your VLAN access controls, ensuring only approved users and devices can take advantage of inter-VLAN routing.
If the device ever needs to be reassigned to a new VLAN, the network administrator would physically connect it to a new switch port that is already associated with that VLAN. In other words, a static VLAN is one in which switch ports are assigned to VLANs and devices are not assigned to VLANs; they receive their orders directly from the switch port they're connected to.
Dynamic VLAN. A dynamic VLAN is one in which devices are assigned to that VLAN on a dynamic and semi-automated basis.
It's a much more difficult implementation process when compared to static VLAN, but for more strenuous network rules and requirements, dynamic VLAN ultimately saves network professionals time in the long run, as they can simply update protocols and VMPS entries when new VLAN assignments are needed across multiple devices.
While the actual process of setting up a VLAN can be as simple as updating network switch settings and connecting devices to VLAN switch ports, the strategy behind a successful VLAN setup can be much more daunting.
You'll need to consider any specialized security or compliance requirements, the different device types that need access, and the resources and monitoring it will take to set up and sustain an efficient VLAN. All the steps listed above are crucial aspects of creating and configuring a sustainable VLAN network.
This Cyber News was published on www.esecurityplanet.com. Publication date: Wed, 13 Dec 2023 22:43:04 +0000