Narrowing network segments in tiny systems (<100 units)
Narrowing network segments in tiny systems (<100 units)
The switches function at Layer 2 only, without multi-layer switches. The router configuration would typically be set up in one of two ways: 1) A dedicated router port for each VLAN, or 2) a single switch interface that routes VLANs to the router while the router manages subnets. In both scenarios, the router serves as the DHCP provider, assigning IP addresses based on the VLAN source. Because the router has ports for every VLAN, it can connect those VLANs and act as the default gateway for each subnet.
Yes, that's correct. Using VLANs allows you to assign certain ports on a switch to different subnets. When devices on separate VLANs communicate, their traffic must pass through a router to reach the other subnet.
Gotcha. Technically the switch i choose also has some routing abilities, but imma stick with the dedicated router rn. So, im thinking that both secondary switches will get assigned to one vlan, and that vlan can be given a range of ip addresses (ie. 192.168.3.xxx). 1 of the ports in all 4 offices will be on another vlan because of access to some other network hardware, but i assume i can still make those ports be given addresses in teh same 192.168.3.xxx range? The second ports in the 4 offices, and a couple other ports in the building can go on another vlan, which gets 192.168.4.xxx. The WAP (lol) on another, and it gets 192.168.5.xxx. I was planning on giving all other network hardware 192.168.2.xxx. Does that seem suitable for this assignment? What subnet mask would that be? oh and i was gonna make a networked printer just have a static reserved ip address, idk 192.168.69.420 or some shit (i know that one wouldn't actually work) Edited October 3, 2020 by phleexiou Mentioned the printer.
The router should assign a DHCP range within the desired subnet, and the VLAN handles IP addresses independently. I can create a network diagram for you. You mentioned avoiding small desktop switches, so I’ll skip those and focus on a larger setup. It seems a /24 subnet would be ideal since you won’t need extra space and private IPs aren’t restricted.
Usually you manage several interfaces on the router, each with its own dhcp range. /24 indicates only the last octet changes. I apply this for all smaller networks I collaborate with, making it suitable for small businesses. I’d like to experiment with this in a lab using virtual machines to better understand it.
It would be great to gain more practical experience, but I'm currently swamped and COVID isn't making things easier. I have friends in systems or network admin who might be able to mentor me later, after the Rona. For now, I think I have enough for the assignment requirements.