Virtual LANs: A Guide to Construction, Operation and Utilization (McGraw-Hill Computer Communications Series)

This guide shows network managers how to get a Virtual LAN (VLAN) up and running fast. It covers the latest IEEE VLAN standards, and features a special section on keeping the VLAN secure. LANs today are physically wired to support workgroups that share the same resources. Because these LANs are wired independently of one another, it makes it difficult and expensive to quickly set up another workgroup or move a workstation from one group to another. A Virtual LAN is a network defined by software, not by physical wiring. This means that VLANs enable corporations to group network users according to their job function or data requirements, as opposed to their physical location. VLANs remove the headaches of LAN moves and changes, saving money in the process. The book compares VLAN products available from several vendors, including Cabletron, Cray, Cisco and 3COM. The CD-ROM includes demo versions of VLAN products from the leading venders.