LAN (Local Area Network) and VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) are both types of networks. But, before configuration of LAN/VLAN, let's quickly have a quick review of what LAN and VLAN are and how they are helpful to manage users in an organization network. WLAN is similar to LAN but the only difference is that in such network, devices are connecting wirelessly on different signal/channels over WiFi or bluetooth.
LAN: is a group of network devices that allow communication between connected devices within a certain geographical area. LAN was developed in the late 1970s. Setting up LAN is required to setup physical connection between the connected devices; hence this is having higher cost and higher latency. For configuration of LANs, devices like hubs, routers, and switches are used. Some other key features of LAN are as below: -
Broadcast Domain: LAN works on a single broadcast domain.
Protocols: LANs use standard Ethernet protocols.
Packet Broadcasting: In a LAN, the packet is advertised to each device.
Configuration: No specific information is needed to use a LAN; it is mostly connecting devices using physical cables - copper/fiber.
Types: There are no specific types in LAN
VLAN: VLAN is a type of LAN that enhances its capabilities1. It can group together devices on separate physical LANs, which was developed in 2003. VLANs primarily use bridges, switches, routers etc and are virtual in nature and run multiple commands to configure a VLAN on these devices. Configuring VLAN is a cheaper and lower latency solution. Some other key features of VLAN are as below: -
Broadcast Domain: VLAN works on multiple broadcast domains.
Protocols: DHCP, STP, VTP, ACL, Inter-Switch Link (ISL) and 802.1Q can used for managing VLANs.
Packet Broadcasting: In a VLAN, the packet is sent to a specific broadcast domain.
Types: There are several types of VLANs, including Default VLAN, Data VLAN, Native VLAN, Management VLAN, and Voice VLAN.
Efficiency: VLANs are generally more efficient than LANs.
Please note that these are general differences, and the specifics may vary based on the exact setup and configuration of the networks.
In this Ray article, we are going to cover the steps required to create a network interface profile for configuration of
LAN and VLAN in the Ray ONE cloud platform
Summary of steps for LAN/VLAN:
- Profiles menu
- Network interface profile
- Create a network interface.
- Define the Network interface name and type it as LAN in the Definitions
- In VLAN section, give the VLAN ID, while VLAN Tags are automatically generated by system.
- In LAN definitions Select Hardware type and Port configuration -> To define the device model and port for LAN usage.
- Configure the IP address for the LAN network interface.
- Save and Publish
Screenshots of steps of LAN/VLAN:
Step 1 to Step 3:
STEP 4: On creating the network interface and defining the type of Network profile as LAN, the configuration Tabs will populate as shown in the steps below.
STEP 5:
Step 6: Covers the hardware as device model and device port for using as LAN interfaces.
step 7: Configure the IP address for the LAN network users for above mentioned VLAN(if any). Users will receive IP addrss from this subnet and will be provided by Ray device:
Step 8: Now click on Save and Publish and we can see our LAN profile in the profiles view under the available profile.
Now, we are going to cover the steps required to create
WLAN in the Ray ONE cloud platform
Step 1: Go to the Profile tab of your cluster and then Wlan, click "Create WAN"
Step2: Fill the basic information as mentioned in screenshots with marks 1 to 7
Step 3: Configure network interface for WLAN profile for mapping LAN/VLAN as per user network requirements.
Step 4: Choose Tunnel and Advance options as per wireless/wired network requirement.
Note: Override Node Mode Gateway we need to select if we don't have Ray Gateway in Network and using Access Points in "Bridge + Firewall" or "Bridge + No Firewall" Mode.
Step 5:
a. Select Whilelist/Backlist - if you want to allow a device as per organisational policy for allowing or denies with granular contol
b. Select Pause Device - if you want to stop a wireless to use network due to some purpose.
Step 6: Session propagation is used for managing roaming clients via local broadcast or via contoller. Suggest to keep Session Propagation and Multimedia Extensions options default.
Step 7: Now click on Save and Public and test if all work as expected.