What Is DHCP and How It Works

To transmit data back and forth across the Internet, an IP address that administrators have to accomplish and configure on a router or Lay3 fiber switch is the essential cornerstone of a host. Besides, when you want to communicate with other networks, you need to know the default gateway address and subnet mask for the local network, as well as the DNS server. DHCP can help you get all the information dynamically. So what is DHCP and how it works?

What Is DHCP?

DHCP wiki defines the term dynamic host configuration protocol as a network management protocol used on UDP/IP networks. It assigns an IP address and some other configuration parameters to each network device automatically, so that the device will be authorized to communicate with other IP networks. This means users don’t need to configure the network, just plug the wire into your computer or connect to the WiFi, your computer will automatically receive the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway and DNS server. Then how to enable DHCP? DHCP can be installed on a single server or integrated in most network equipment like a Gigabit PoE switch, a router or even the firewall. The following are some related terms we should know.

• DHCP Client—It obtains an IP address and other parameters from a DHCP server. It is the initiator of an IP address allocation.

• DHCP Server—It assigns IP address and other parameters to the DHCP client.

• DHCP Repeater—It forwards DHCP messages between a DHCP server and DHCP clients.

• DHCP Snooping—It records the users’information that has applied for IP address through the layer 2 equipment.

What Are the Advantages of DHCP?

DHCP protocol reduces the complexity and numbers of administrative work by using automatic TCP/IP configuration. This is the greatest benefit. Today, no matter in the data center or at home, more and more devices are being networked from printers and fax machines to TV and fridges. Often times, these devices are placed in different locations, without DHCP, you have to get up out of your comfy chair and find the device and configure each manually. But assisted by DHCP protocol, all you need to do is changing the settings on the server or may be a 10gbe switch. As addresses are assigned automatically, there is no need to keep a record of the used and free ones. Besides, DHCP snooping can detect unauthorized DHCP server on the network.

How DHCP Works?

As the title mentions what is DHCP and how it works, now we have learned what DHCP is, let’s turn to its operation. In essence, DHCP leases IP address and other parameters to the specific clients for a period of time. The following picture shows how DHCP works.

Step one: When a new client wants to join a network, it will broadcast a DHCP discover packet to the servers.

Step two: To answer the request, DHCP servers will send the free DHCP offer packet to the client.

Step three: The client takes the first DHCP offer message from different serves. Then it will send a DHCP request to the Internet to indicate which IP address it has taken.

Step four: DHCP server sends an acknowledge message to make sure the IP address has been used that will not assign to any other client. And now the client can participate on the network.

Conclusion

With regard to the question, what is DHCP and how it works, I think you have found the answer. Any questions of DHCP or network switch supporting DHCP, you can visit FS.COM or contact via sales@fs.com.

 

What Is IGMP Snooping

With the development of Internet technology, traditional network unicast mode can’t meet today’s data transmission requirement. On the contrary, this mode increases network load and consuming network bandwidth greatly. IGMP snooping is developed to solve the problem. So what is IGMP snooping?

Introduction of IGMP Snooping

IGMP (Internet Group Management Protocol) is a communications protocol. So what is IGMP used for? Commonly, it’s used to establish membership in a multicast group. And each member host of an IP multicast is a transmitter or receiver.

As for IGMP snooping, which sounds like an obscure hacker technique that may break into one’s network, is actually an advanced option available on most of switches or routers. Wiki defines it as the process of listening to IGMP network traffic. It is a multicast constraint mechanism running on the two-layer device, which is used to manage and control the multicast group. If there are plenty of multicast traffic in your network, the whole performance may be effected due to the excessive false flooding. At this moment, IGMP snooping switch can help to optimize your network. It enables the Gigabit Ethernet switch configured with IGMP snooping decides which devices will receive the applicable multicast traffic, thus the others won’t receive the message. This means broadcast packet on layer 2 has been reduced so that the network bandwidth will be conserved. Besides, IGMP snooping helps improve message information.

IGMP Snooping Process

After knowing what is IGMP snooping, let’s see how it works. Once a device joined the multicast group, the router or fiber switch will notice this. Then the message cab forwarded to the devices that have joined the multicast group. Look at Figure 1, when the switch runs without IGMP snooping, the multicast packet will be transmitted to host A, B and C. But when the switch has set up IGMP snooping, only multicast group members host A and C can receive the multicast packet. This is the main IGMP snooping tutorial.

Figure 1: The picture shows how IGMP works.

Using FS.COM Switch to Build IGMP Snooping 

To keep pace with the technology development, FS.COM releases a set of switches to help customers establish IGMP snooping. Here is a 24 port switch named S3700-24T4S. The 1G managed switch provides an affordable solution for business of all sizes requiring switches with essential L2 switching features like VLAN and IGMP snooping, along with a simple and intuitive management interface. It includes 24 10/100/1000Base-T Ports and 4 10G SFP+ ports to extend your home or business network at gigabit speeds. Equipped with ARM CPU and BCM53346 chip, the Lay 2 switch has a switching capacity of 128Gbps, which is compliant with the international standard.

Figure 2: S3700-24T4S 24 Port Switch

Conclusion

Now I think you know the answer of the question we posed at first, what is IGMP snooping. When IGMP snooping is enabled, the bandwidth consumption will be reduced in a multi-access LAN environment so as to avoid flooding the entire VLAN. Any question about IGMP snooping configuration, please contact us via support@feisu.com.

Ethernet Switch vs Splitter—How Much Do You Know?

Today, our lives hardly do without Internet communication. We do shopping, letter writing and business all relying on the Ethernet connections both at home and office. And Gigabit Ethernet switch and splitter are the networking devices that are primarily used for connecting different computers or other networking devices. However, they are quite different. Here focus on Ethernet switch vs splitter.

Ethernet Switch vs Splitter: What Are They?

First, let’s figure out the definitions of the two terms.

What Is Ethernet Switch?

An Ethernet switch is a high speed networking device that provides more ports for subnets to connect more computers, printers, cameras and so on in a building or campus. Through the ports, the data switch can receive incoming data packets and redirects the data to their intended destination within a LAN. Usually, an Ethernet switch not only works at the data link layer which is also called layer 2, but also can operate at the network layer (layer 3) or above.

What Is Splitter?

A network splitter acts as the optical power distribution device, like a coaxial cable transmission system. It’s one of the most important passive devices which means it doesn’t need external power except for light. As the name implies that it can split a single Internet connection to create extra connections, as a result the additional or other computers on a network could be connected.

Ethernet Switch vs Splitter: What Are the Differences?

Ethernet switch can be used for networks that include different devices, for example, a computer and a video game console or a printer. In addition, general switch needs a power input so that it can divide an Ethernet signal into various signals, and the signals can operate at the same time. As a result, different devices can be connected by the switch and work simultaneously.

As for Ethernet splitter, there is no need for power input. And splitters need to be used in pairs. It physically splits a single Ethernet connection into two connections. Simply put, if you want to connect two computers in one room and a switch in another room, then you need the splitters. Instead of using two Ethernet cables from one room to another, the splitters can physically split one Ethernet cable into two to connect the computers and the switch. This is the main principle for the issue that how to use Ethernet splitter.

Ethernet Switch vs Splitter: Where to buy?

The following products of Ethernet splitter vs switch are from FS.COM.

S5800-48F4S Switch

This is a 10gb Ethernet switch that has 48×1GbE SFP ports and 4×10GbE SFP+ ports. With a switching capacity of 176Gbps, it supports comprehensive L2 and L3 network management features. The switch offers MLAG, MPLS, IPv4/IPv6, SNMP etc. Designed with the max power draw of 75W and switching capacity of 176Gbps, this switch is ideal for traditional or fully virtualized data center.

Figure 1: S5800-48F4S Switch

Conclusion

As for Ethernet switch vs splitter, we have known how do Ethernet splitters work and how do switch work. Both of them can optimize our network that allow us to work in an efficient and high secure way. Welcome to visit FS.COM to pick your own Ethernet switch and splitter.

Single-Sided Vertical Cable Manager for 45U Server Rack

Server rack cable management is a finicky thing. In addition to a better organization of the fiber cables and power cords within racks, you have to run them orderly in vertical direction. Vertical cable manager is an important role for cable management, which will hold the cables snugly and safely to ensure the smooth data transmission. Here focus on single-sides vertical cable manager for 45U server rack.

Importance of Vertical Cable Management

The most significant usage of vertical cable management is cable bend radius protection. As we know, cable performance is determined by the physical properties of the cable, and therefore no matter when the cable changes direction, the fiber’s bend radius which has potential to impact cable performance will be generated at any point. To enhance the cables’ long-term reliability and reduce signal attenuation, vertical wire management tools allow convenient cable access with the acceptable bend radius.

Additionally, pulling behavior is inevitable during cable installation, so using a vertical cable management to define the vertical cable routing paths is of great importance, which will be the physical protection of the installed cables.

Overview of Single-sided Vertical Cable Manager for 45U Server Rack

Vertical cable organizer is similar to the horizontal cable category except for the orientation. Just as the name implies, single-sided vertical cable manager is perfect for keeping cables along a single rack or between two bayed racks. Here is a sample from FS.COM.

This 45U equipment is specifically designed to readily manage the challenges proposed by the data center’s high volume and density cabling system. It features contoured front door with easy-open knobs. Made of PVC material, the manager has plastic T-shaped cable fingers only on the front, which is comp

ly with RoHS standard. You can use it to support and manage large bundles of cables on the front rack. Besides, it has smooth oval holes that allow cables to come out wherever they are needed. Creatively, this 45U cable manager is composed by two 22.5U sections. Thus, you can utilize them to combine a 22.5U dual sided vertical cable manager.

Figure: Example of Single-sided Vertical Cable Manager

How to Use Single-sided Vertical Cable Manager

The following video gives a brief introduction of this FS vertical cable manager usage.

First, we should install the single-sided vertical cable manager. Adjust the vertical mounting rails and identify the mounting slots, then install finger directly onto the manager backbone. Don’t forget to insert the specially designed keyed brackets into the complete vertical cable manager.

Second, after that, we are ready to mount the manager on a server rack. Place the manager on one side of the rack, then use the screw to fix it. The installation is finished.

Last, manage the cables on the rack to go through the fingers, and the space is enough for both fiber and copper cables. Finally, remember to close the cover to protect the cables from dust.

Conclusion

Vertical cable manager is the perfect way for holding cables, which ensures everything is neatly and safely in place. FS.COM offers both vertical and horizontal cable management products to create the various cable pathways. Want to find a valuable cable management tool, please visit FS.COM.

How to Use a PoE Injector to Install an IP Camera?

Are you looking for a solution to easily power your IP cameras? It’s no doubt to use a PoE injector or Gigabit PoE switch to complete the installation. Once your system is established, you can view your home circumstance from your computer or smartphone from anywhere. Here focus on how to use a PoE injector to install an IP camera.

What Does a PoE Injector Do?

Power over Ethernet is commonly regarded as PoE for short. It’s a technology that can transfer both power and data over twisted pair Ethernet cables such as Cat5e, Cat6, etc. A Poe injector is a device that is commonly known as the “midspan”. It supplies power to a camera by delivering power into the Ethernet cable. Usually, a power over Ethernet injector converts the alternating current into direct current so it can be the power supplier for low voltage IP camera.

What Does an IP Camera Do?

Unlike the traditional cameras, IP cameras can send and receive data over a LAN or the Internet. It’s a separated unit with its own IP address that needs nothing but a network connection like WiFi or PoE injector switch. IP cameras capture images just like a digital camera, and compress the files for transmission over the network. So these images can be viewed anywhere in the world. Also, this camera can be controlled remotely.

How to Use a PoE Injector to Install an IP Camera

Preparation

Before the installation, we should prepare a PoE injector, IP camera and Cat5e cables. Here, we will choose the products, single port 10/100/1000M Gigabit PoE injector, 3MP indoor/outdoor dome IP camera with infrared from FS.COM as an example.

• Single port 10/100/1000M Gigabit PoE injector fully complies with IEEE 802.3af. It has two RJ45Ethernet ports, one is labeled Data In and one is labeled PoE/Data Out. With a power supply of 15.4W, this PoE injector for IP camera delivers power up to 100 meters. No configuration is required, just plug and play.

Figure 1: Example of PoE injector

• 3MP indoor/outdoor dome IP camera with infrared is a professional surveillance and security solution for houses and enterprises. It provides video resolution of 2065×1553 pixels over a digital signal using Cat5e or Cat6, and observe high quality footage with the advanced SONY starvis back-illuminated CMOS sensor.

Figure 2: Example of IP camera

Introduction

First, check the equipment, make sure the PoE injector and IP camera are in good condition. Besides, turn off the devices’ power for safe installation.

Second, plug one end of Cat5e cable into the PoE injector’s PoE/Data out port, and the other end into IP camera’s PoE port.

Third, choose a place to mount IP camera. Usually, the dome IP camera is installed on the roof corner that is adequate to capture the faces of subjects of different heights.

Fourth, use another Cat5e cable to connect PoE injector and a fiber switch.

Last, make sure all connection is correct. Then plug in power to ensure all connections are working normally.

Conclusion

The installation just requires several devices, a PoE injector, an IP camera, a non-PoE switch and some cables, or you can use a PoE switch like 24 port PoE switch to replace the PoE injector. Well, no matter which way you will choose to install your IP cameras, FS.COM is the one-stop shopping base when you need to buy these network devices.

Cheap Server Rack for Home—Building Your Own Home Server

The continuous development of IT and communication equipment has made computers or storage devices an entirely new look. Server rack cabinet also has evolved. In the network industry, a set of standards has been published successively in order to provide a criterion of racking and mounting size for users. Today, in data center of server room, there are various types of computing or networking equipment installed in wall mount server rack or ground standing type. But for home use, we need a home server rack to build our own home server. Here we’ll focus on cheap server rack for home.

Why We Need Cheap Server Rack for Home

As we know, server rack is a cost-effective solution and is important to one’s business. Because it provides a space for vital equipment like fiber optic patch panel that is crucial to the survival of your organization. However, for home use, what is the exact reason.

First, with the technology develops, our homes also become smarter, more and more families consider to use a home server rack to build a more secure and storage network for the IoT in the home. Therefore, they can manage the electronic equipment more efficiently.

Second, people like professional gamers, videographers, designers and others who require substantial processing power want a home server rack to set up a home network for information transmission at a higher and safer path.

How to Choose Cheap Server Rack for Home

Here are some suggestions for choosing a cheap server rack for home.

• Size. Traditional server racks are just with large metal frames like server rack 42U type. That’s fine in a professional environment. Unlike the data center or server room, server rack for home don’t need such large type. Small server rack like 9U—24U is preferred for home use.

• Price. Price is always an important factor when buying anything. Luckily, due to the small design, home server racks are much cheaper than the ones in a large data center. But for the people who want a small server rack just for studying or hobby but don’t have enough money, then a used server rack is the right one for them.

Where to Buy a Cheap Server Rack for Home

Finding the right home server rack for building a home server, from reliable quality to the right price may be tricky. Here, FS.COM is the reputable source to buy a home server rack. Because not all installation sites at home are enough, so I recommend you a wall mount server rack.

Figure: Home Server Rack

This 9U wall mount network rack lets you mount your equipment of 19 inch to the wall, in a secure enclosure. It supports 4 post mounting and is designed with a vented glass front door. Made of high quality SPCC cold roll steel material with black coated, it can support a total load capacity of up to 60kg. This wall mount rack makes it easy to install your equipment such as 24 port patch panel or a server rack shelf.

Conclusion

I think the above article will help to choose a cheap server rack for home so as to build your own home server. At FS.COM, you can find lots of different types of server racks. If you need help with picking, welcome to contact us via support@fs.com.

What Is a Mesh Network?

This is sometimes annoying that the video stops when we are catching up on the most recent You Tube video, or there’s no signal in the kitchen when we want to watch the cooking video. The poor wireless signal is really a headache since people’s life has relied heavily on WiFi today. How will you fix this? Welcome to the new network solution—mesh router systems. Simply put, it consists of several small routers that communicate with each other to provide a seamless wireless network in your house. This is the reason that encourages you switch from a wireless router to a mesh network. So what is a mesh network?

Wiki says a mesh network is a local network topology in which the infrastructure nodes (like data switch or bridges ) connect directly and non-hierarchically, in order to efficiently route data to the end users via the nodes. This network enables the network devices that can provide connectivity capabilities like bluetooth or wifi to form a node one after another. Then a dynamic route is formed between each device and the others, and as a result the data can be delivered within the mesh network. When a node in the network topology fails, other nodes that connect with this one will also fail. But luckily, the whole network will still work, because only one connection point is broken which will not affect the other connections. Thus, we often regard the wireless mesh network as a decentralized information network.

Figure: Example of Mesh Network

Benefits of Using a Mesh Network

What is a mesh network, after figuring out this question, let’s turn to the benefits of a mesh network. Compared with the ordinary Internet which is built on a few centralized access points or Internet Service Providers, mesh network enjoys many benefits.

• Extremely Reliable and Expandable

The most striking feature of a mesh network is the construction. This means users can add the wireless router in the specified places, thus they can build a new broadband access network just by the existing facilities. It’s convenient to add or remove the wifi mesh nodes. In addition to expand the wifi range, the wifi mesh network can help one’s electronic devices connect the strongest wifi signal automatically when you walk around the room.

• Support High Demand

In the above part what is a mesh network, we know each additional device in a mesh network is regarded as a node, the mesh topology can support high amount of network traffic. Thus, interconnected devices can send data smoothly.

• Less Expensive

Traditional networks rely on multiple equipment such as Gigabit Ethernet switch or transceivers to connect users, while mesh network uses the wireless mesh nodes to spread data. Using fewer equipment means it costs less to build a network. A general 10 Gigabit switch will cost you about 2000 dollars, not mention the high-end switches or other network equipment. Also, using a mesh network will help to eliminate the complexity of cables installations.

How to Create a Mesh Network

It’s not enough to learn what is a mesh network and its benefits, we also need to know how to create a mesh network. At present, the main method of wireless access is to set up wifi in the hotspots places. In order to enable wireless access throughout the whole city, technicians have to create network access points as many as possible by numbers of cables or fiber optic cables. Unlike the normal wireless Internet, to form a mesh network, technicians only need to connect one node to a network such as Internet modem or router. Then the connected node will share its Internet connection with the other nodes within its range. Then one after another, more nodes are connected and a bigger mesh network is created.

Conclusion

As for the question what is a mesh network, I believe now you have a clear understanding. A mesh network has a greater range and is much faster and stronger than the normal wifi network. Any question about mesh network, please contact us via our website FS.COM.

How to Choose 24 Port Patch Panel

Undoubtedly, patch panels have become an important component in cabling system, since technological advances open the door to a new generation of more efficient and higher performance data centers. According to different ports, patch panels are commonly divided into 24 port patch panel, 48 port patch panel, 96 port patch panel and even more ports. And all the patch panels can provide a simple, neat and easily managed solution for IT technicians. Today, we’ll focus on 24 port patch panel buying guide.

Why We Use 24 Port Patch Panel

As we know, using a patch panel can enjoy many benefits. It can reduce cable congestion, improve flexibility and scalability and save the valuable space in a sever rack. These contribute to the simplification of manual monitoring, testing, routing and other maintenance on cables. Besides, the  24 port patch panel price is more favorable than other patch panel types. And designed in the same size, the ports distances of 24 port type is not as compact as the 48 port or 96 port ones, which is better for cable connections and cable cooling. This encourages people to choose 24 port type instead of the others.

24 Port Patch Panel: Copper or Fiber

As the backbone of a structured cabling solution, patch panels are available in copper and fiber versions. They are designed to connect different cables. Copper patch panel are used to connect the specific cables like Cat5, Cat5e or Cat6, while fiber patch panel is only applicable for single mode or multimode fiber cables with LC, SC connectors. Thus, before we buy 24 port patch panel, we must know what type of cables that used in our network.

24 Port Patch Panel Recommendation

FS.COM offers a wide variety of 24 port patch panel to help address your specific needs.

24 Port Patch Panel Cat5e

This 1U 24 port patch panel Cat5e features RJ45 couplers on both sides of each panel. It uses the removable design of the rear cable manager, which is conducive to uninstall and install. Also, it adopts the design of self-contained cable management tool, and no extra cable management equipment is needed. This Cat5e patch panel is made of SPCC+ABS materials with an operating temperature from -25℃ to 70℃.

Figure 1: 1U 24 Port Patch Panel Cat5e

24 Port SC Fiber Patch Panel

This fiber patch panel is applied to connect OS2, OM3 and OM4 fiber cables. Its sleeve material is ceramic, and its color-coded couplers will facilitate quick cable type identifications and permit more accessibility during troubleshooting, installation or redeployment.

Figure 2: 24 Port SC Fiber Patch Panel

24 Port Blank Keystone Patch Panel 

The 24 port blank keystone patch panel is an ideal tool to manage all copper cables like Cat6 or Cat5e, so you can customize your patch panel and create a perfect mix connection based on your specific applications. The lacing bar with sequential port labels integrated into the panel provides easy identification of multiple types of cables, which can manage cables more efficiently. Designed with the SPCC + ABS plastics,  the material is stamped and formed to create a rigid and durable surface capable of withstanding the forces generated while punching down cables to the panel.

Figure 3: 24 Port Blank Keystone Patch Panel

Conclusion

From the above, I suggest if you need to connect copper cables such as Cat5e or Cat6 then choose the 24 port patch panel Cat5e or 24 port patch panel Cat6 type. If your cables are fiber cables, 24 port fiber patch panel is suitable for you. If you want to make the mixed connections, 24 port blank keystone patch panel is the best choice. So if you are ready to buy 24 port patch panel, please don’t be hesitate to visit FS.COM which is a supplier that offers a comprehensive range of patch panels designed to address a variety of needs.

SDN vs NFV: What Is the Difference?

SDN and NFV that have emerged in recent years, are the most aggressive technology in the networking industry. SDN NFV are born to provide new ways to design, build and operate networks. What is SDN? What is NFV? SDN vs NFV, what’s the difference? Here talks about SDN and NFV.

Figure 1: SDN and NFV

SDN vs NFV—Definition

What Is SDN

SDN, software defined networking, started from the campus network. It developed to solve the network issue that people had to change the software of their devices when they tried to deploy a new protocol. SDN is a telecommunic ation revolution that separates the control plane of a network from the data plane that forwards one’s network traffic, aiming at creating a centrally managed and programmable network. As an innovative architecture of new network, it provides a way to implement network virtualization.

What Is NFV

NFV, network function virtualization, is developed by dozens of large telecommunication service providers. Often times, it’s difficult for them to accelerate the implement of new network services due to the restrictions of hardware-based appliances. Thus, the goal of NFV is to virtualize the network services such as DNS, caching, etc., and abstract them from the hardware on which they run, and hence they can run in software. NFV is a disruptive technological reform that offers a more open and flexible service deployment for telecom operators’ network architecture.

SDN vs NFV—Difference

From the above, we know SDN and NFV rely on virtualization so that the network design and infrastructure can be abstracted in software. But do you know the difference of SDN vs NFV?

Figure 2: SDN vs NFV

Basically, SDN abstracts physical devices like data switch or router and makes the controller process to a virtual network control plane. In this way, the virtual control plane will decide the locations for sending traffic. By contrast, NFV is designed to use the standard x86 server to replace the dedicated network devices like the firewall. As a result, the network function is independent from the dedicated devices, which enables the network to develop without extra devices. The table below shows the differences between SDN and NFV.

	SDN	NFV
Basic idea	Separate control and data.	Transfer network functions from dedicated applications to generic servers.
Initial application target	Cloud orchestration and networking	Firewalls, gateways, WAN, CDN, etc.
Protocols	Open flow	None
Supporting organization	Open networking foundation	ETSI NFV working group

SDN vs NFV—Future Outlook

Since SDN and NFV share the same aims that improve software-based  approaches to create more flexible, scalable and perfect networks to support the increasing business demand, they have become popular in the network industry. And there’s no doubt that SDN and NFV will work together with traditional switches or some other optical equipment in the future. To follow the technological trend, FS.COM has developed SDN switches to satisfy customers’ various needs.

The N5850-48S6Q SDN switch offers 48 SFP+ 10GbE ports and 6 QSFP+ 40GbE ports that support non-blocking exchange. It adopts 1.44Tbps full-duplex switch capability with the operating system of broadcom ICOS, creating a more open installation environment for users. Compared with the traditional switch, this SDN switch separates the data path from the control path, which helps to make a high-level routing decision.

Figure 3: SDN Switch

Conclusion

As regard to SDN vs NFV, we have learned the basic information of them. Also, we recognize that SDN and NFV will make a difference in the future. FS.COM, the supplier of switches such as 10gb switch, 40GbE switch and even 100GbE switch, will keep pace with the innovations of network world.

 

VLAN vs LAN: What Is the Difference?

LAN is widely used in the network to allow computers to connect with different computers of one limited area like a school, factory or building. While VLAN is functioned as a tool to improve Ethernet scalability. Yet, with regard to VLAN vs LAN, what’s the relationship between them and is there any differences? Hope you can find the answers in this article.

VLAN vs LAN—Definition

What Is LAN

LAN is short for local area network, which can connect multiple computers in one location for sending data among themselves. It can be comprised of two computers in an office or thousands in a company, sharing a network that is closed to outside use. Today, LAN is defined as a single broadcast domain. This means within this LAN, if one broadcasts message, all the others can receive it. Also, functions like file management, printer sharing and working group scheduling can be realized by LAN, which will help to improve working efficiency.

Figure 1: LAN Example

What Is VLAN

As the name implies, VLAN, or virtual LAN, is a type of LAN which improves the capability of a flat LAN. VLAN is the logical separation of LAN that can create several LAN segments in one bandwidth regardless of devices’ physical locations. Thus, technicians can use a fiber switch to segment a LAN into different broadcast domains (VLANs). Because the separations are logical ones, users on different floors of one building or different buildings now can share the same LAN.

Figure 2: VLAN Example

VLAN vs LAN—Differences

Basically, the need of implementing VLAN is to segment the network, which determines the differences when VLAN vs LAN. Initially, physical LANs mean that all working computers were connected to the same cable or sets of chained hubs. It’s a typically flat LAN. But with the technology develops, the demand of working computers on the LAN also grows. When one user wants to deliver a packet, he may find that the wire is already occupied by others’ packet. To solve this problem, the LAN should be split to eliminate the congestion and load. Only use Gigabit Ethernet switch or bridge can create VLANs. Since they’re logical separations, they can reduce the packet traffic. With a VLAN, it’s possible that working computers connect together on the same physical LAN but unable to communicate directly. The following table shows clearly the differences between VLAN and LAN.

Segment LAN into VLANs

Knowing the differences between VLAN and LAN, we know how VLAN and LAN work. As switches are available, FS.COM offers 1GbE switch, 10GbE switch, 40GbE switch and 100GbE switch that support VLAN to optimize your network experience. Here is one S3800-24F4S 24-port Gigabit stackable SFP managed switch for your reference.

This is a layer2+ switch that supports 4 switches stack, 96 Gigabit ports and 8 10G SFP+ ports. The Gigabit Ethernet switch provides a switching capacity of 128Gbps and 4K VLANs. It adopts ARM CPU, a high performance and low power consumption processor, which can meet the needs of 10G network deployment of all enterprises and network operations. In addition, the switch has a good compatibility with all SFP transceivers on the market.

Figure 3: S3800-24F4S 24-Port Gigabit Stackable SFP Managed Switch

Conclusion

As regard to VLAN vs LAN, it’s’ important to know the differences between them. Then we can use network switches to segment LANs into VLANs to optimize our network. Hope FS.COM will be the best choice when you decide to buy network switches.