Ethernet, LANs and VLANs

Ethernet, LANs and VLANs

Ethernet is used in all parts of the network for point-to-point links between devices, implementing Layers 1 and 2 of the OSI model together.


In this module, we’ll review the basic principles of Ethernet and LANs, how it was formalized in the 802 series of standards, the concepts of MAC addresses, MAC frames and broadcast domains.  


You’ll understand how LAN switches, also called Layer 2 switches, connect devices, and how VLANs separate devices as a basic network security function.


Telecom Module 13

Detailed Outline

13 Ethernet, LANs and VLANs

13.1 LAN Basics

...... 13.1.1  Bus Topology

...... 13.1.2  Broadcast Domain

...... 13.1.3  Balanced Configuration

...... 13.1.4  Collision Domain

...... 13.1.5  MAC Address

...... 13.1.6  Communication of MAC Frames

13.2 Ethernet and 802 Standards

...... 13.2.1  IEEE 802 Standards

...... 13.2.2  Ethernet vs. 802.3

...... 13.2.3  Token Ring

...... 13.2.4  Baseband LAN

...... 13.2.5  10BASE-5

...... 13.2.6  10BASE-2

...... 13.2.7  10BASE-T

...... 13.2.8  100BASE-T

...... 13.2.9  1000BASE-T

...... 13.2.10  Optical Ethernet

13.3 LAN Cables and Categories

...... 13.3.1  Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)

...... 13.3.2  Shielding

...... 13.3.3  TIA-568 LAN Cable Categories

...... 13.3.4  TIA-568A vs. TIA-568B

...... 13.3.5  Maximum Cable Length and Cabling Architecture

...... 13.3.6  Difference Between Categories

...... 13.3.7  Which Category to Use

13.4 LAN Switches: Layer 2 Switches

...... 13.4.1  Hardware

...... 13.4.2  Purpose and Operation

...... 13.4.3  Buffers

...... 13.4.4  Frame Forwarding

...... 13.4.5  Broadcast Domain Defined by Switch

13.5 VLANs

...... 13.5.1  Broadcast Domains Defined in Software

...... 13.5.2  Routing Between VLANs

...... 13.5.3  Header Tag

...... 13.5.4  Traffic Management and Network Security