N/A

Abstract

N/A

In IEEE 802.1Q, the Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) is defined as the creation of a group of hosts that behave as if they were connected on the same LAN. Actual VLAN implementations on Linux do not include a flexible framework for the design and management of a VLAN-aware network. This thesis details the examination of IEEE 802.1Q and proposes a VLAN Translation Module (VTM), which is a software-based solution to provide flexible and portable VLAN implementation for the Linux operating system. The VTM offers a flexible port definition that enables users to establish the desired VLAN environment. In addition, the module offers the possibility of declaring exception rules to modify the behavior of a specific workstation in the VLAN environment. The VTM has a traditionally styled Linux user interface for easier adoption, which provides a sense of control over the configuration. VTM supplies a feature-rich and flexible VLAN implementation, rather than a module aiming for a high-bandwidth and latency-free packet transfer. VTM is implemented at the Kernel level using Netfilter technology, which allows maximum portability to any architecture supported by Linux. Two experiments are conducted to demonstrate the correctness and performance of the VTM. The VTM is compared with existing implementations for maturity, flexibility, portability amount, and other factors. The flexibility and portability of the VTM, in addition to its ability to provide a fresh look at the VLAN standard makes it a valid alternative to the Linux VLAN solution.