VLANenabled

VLANenabled is an attribute describing network devices and interfaces that support Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) and VLAN tagging. A VLANenabled device can participate in multiple logical networks over a single physical link by using 802.1Q tagging, enabling traffic separation without extra cables.

In VLANenabled networks, traffic is divided by VLAN IDs. Switches maintain separate forwarding tables per VLAN, and trunk ports carry tagged frames. Access ports typically carry untagged frames for a single VLAN. A native VLAN can handle untagged traffic on trunks, though modern configurations minimize its use.

Configuration typically involves enabling VLANenabled features, creating VLANs by ID and name, and assigning ports to VLANs. Trunk links between switches or to routers are configured to tag frames; the native VLAN is specified, and management traffic is often placed on a dedicated management VLAN. For routing between VLANs, layer-3 devices use inter-VLAN routing via subinterfaces or SVIs.

Typical deployments include campus networks, data centers, and enterprise WAN edges, where VLANenabled devices provide scalable segmentation, policy enforcement, and simplified administration when combined with ACLs and proper routing.

Security and considerations: VLANenabled networks isolate broadcast domains but do not replace access control. Risks include misconfigured trunk ports and VLAN hopping. Best practices include explicit trunk configuration, avoiding unnecessary native VLAN usage, applying ACLs on inter-VLAN routes, and using private VLANs where appropriate.

Limitations: Not all devices support VLANs; some consumer gear is VLANunaware. Ensure interconnecting devices support 802.1Q tagging for end-to-end VLAN segmentation.