Rockwell Automation 1783-WAPxxx Stratix 5100 Wireless Access Point User Manual - Manual (Page 159)

Rockwell Automation Publication 1783-UM006A-EN-P - May 2014 159
Stratix 5100 Device Manager Parameter Definitions Chapter 4
VLAN Page
A VLAN is a switched network that is logically segmented, by functions, project
teams, or applications rather than on a physical or geographical basis. For
example, all workstations and servers used by a particular workgroup team can be
connected to the same VLAN, regardless of their physical connections to the
network or the fact that they can be intermingled with other teams. You can use
software to reconfiguration the network rather than physically unplugging and
moving devices or wires.
A VLAN can be thought of as a broadcast domain that exists within a defined set
of switches. A VLAN consists of a number of end systems, either hosts or
network equipment (such as bridges and routers), connected by a single bridging
domain. The bridging domain is supported on various pieces of network
equipment; for example, LAN switches that operate bridging protocols between
them with a separate group for each VLAN.
The basic wireless components of a VLAN consist of an access point and a client
associated to it using wireless technology. In fundamental terms, the key to
configuring an access point to connect to a specific VLAN is by configuring its
SSID to recognize that VLAN. Because VLANs are identified by a VLAN ID, it
follows that if the SSID on an access point is configured to recognize a specific
VLAN ID, a connection to the VLAN is established. After this connection is
made, associated wireless client devices having the same SSID can access the
VLAN through the access point. The VLAN processes data to and from the
clients the same way that it processes data to and from wired connections.
Figure 75 - VLAN Page