# Join a Virtual LAN

A Virtual LAN (VLAN) is a logical grouping of network devices put together as a LAN regardless of their physical grouping or collision domains. VLANs let a user see and access only specified network segments. This increases network performance and improves network security.

VLANs offer the ability to group users and stations together into logical workgroups. This can simplify network administration when connecting clients to servers that are geographically dispersed across the building, campus, or enterprise network.

Typically, VLANs consist of co-workers within the same department but in different locations, groups of users running the same network protocol, or a cross-functional team working on a joint project. Joining workers with VLANs forms logical working groups.

Normally, VLANs are configured at the switch. To set up VLAN membership, your adapter must be connected to a switch with IEEE 802.1Q VLAN capability.

## General Configuration Notes

- VLANs require Windows 2000 or Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 5.0 (or later), or NetWare 4.x and above. VLANs can also be configured under UnixWare* 7.1.x.
- 802.1p/802.1q is required for VLANs to function. You can enable this feature through the PROSet II's Advanced tab in Windows.
- PRO/100 adapters only support VLANs configured in compliance with the IEEE 802.1q specification.
- When configuring VLANs, make sure the number of VLANs on the server match the number of VLANs on the switch. A mismatch will cause a Windows Event Log error to be generated.
- Two or more VLANs may use the same VLAN ID as long as they do not belong to the same team or adapter.

## Join a VLAN from Windows 2000 or NT 4.0

| IMPORTANT: You must use PROSet to add or remove a VLAN in Windows 2000. Do not use the Network and Dial-up Connections dialog box to enable or disable VLANs. Otherwise, the VLAN driver may not be correctly enabled or disabled. Note that you cannot re-enable a VLAN in Windows 2000 once it has been disabled. The server must be restarted to re-enable the connection.

1. Create a VLAN on the switch. Use the parameters you assign there to join the VLAN from the server. See your switch documentation for more information.
2. Double-click the Intel PROSet icon in Control Panel or in the system tray.
3. Select the adapter you want to be on a VLAN and right click on it.
4. In the menu that appears, click Add VLAN. You may see a dialog regarding 802.1 tagging. This tagging must be enabled for VLAN support.
5. Enter the VLAN ID and VLAN Name. The VLAN ID must match the VLAN ID on the switch. Valid ID range is from 1-4094. The VLAN Name is for informational purposes only and doesn't have to match the name on the switch.
6. Click OK. Repeat steps 3-5 for each VLAN you want the server to join.

## Join a VLAN in NetWare

NetWare versions 4.1x and above support VLANs. To join a VLAN in NetWare applications, you'll need to update your AUTOEXEX.NCF file with LOAD IANS commands.

See the Examples File for detailed instructions on configuring VLANs.

#### General Configuration Notes

- Even if you have a single adapter set up for VLANs, it is called a team.
- VLAN switches must meet IEEE specifications.
- The same version of iANS should be used for all adapters.
- Always bind iANS to the base driver, and the protocol(s) to iANS.

## Join a VLAN in UnixWare 7.1.x

See Installing the eeE DDI8 Driver for UnixWare* 7 for instructions on configuring virtual adapters, teaming, and VLANs in UnixWare 7.1.x.

## Join a VLAN in Linux

See instructions in the Linux ANS readme file.