An IEEE 802.1Q-based management protocol of asymmetric VLAN

This paper provides an asymmetric virtual local area network (VLAN) management protocol used in switches to make an end station available to others in different VLANs without routers in the case in which end stations are VLAN-unaware. The protocol is a supplement to the IEEE 802.1Q standard. The paper first introduces an asymmetric VLAN management protocol for a single switch situation and gives the protocol properties. It then extends the protocol to be used where there are multiple connected switches. The asymmetric VLAN management protocol is implemented and tested in our broadband access system.