What is the Difference Between Static VLAN and Dynamic VLAN?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main difference between static VLANs and dynamic VLANs lies in the way they are configured and managed. Here are the key differences between the two:

Static VLANs:

  • Manually configured by providing a name, VLAN ID (VID), and port assignments.
  • Network administrators control access and limit network resources by assigning specific ports on the switches in the network.
  • Offer good security and control over user movement within a large network.
  • Referred to as port-based VLANs.

Dynamic VLANs:

  • Created by storing the hardware addresses of host devices in a database, which determines the VLAN that a particular host is connected to.
  • Use a central server called VMPS (VLAN Membership Policy Server) to handle port configurations of every switch on the VLAN network.
  • Provide more flexibility, allowing hosts to move within the network as needed.
  • Automatically assigned to switches using the VMPS server.

In summary, static VLANs are manually configured and offer more control over user movement and access, while dynamic VLANs are automatically configured based on the host's hardware address and provide more flexibility for host movement within the network.

Comparative Table: Static VLAN vs Dynamic VLAN

The main difference between static and dynamic VLANs lies in their configuration and management. Here is a table comparing the two:

Feature Static VLAN Dynamic VLAN
Configuration Manually assigned by providing a name, VLAN ID (VID), and port assignments. Created by storing the hardware addresses of host devices in a database, allowing the switch to automatically assign the host to a VLAN when connected.
Management Requires manual changes to port assignments and VLAN configurations. Central server called VMPS (VLAN Membership Policy Server) used to automate port configurations of every switch on the VLAN network.
Flexibility and Mobility Limited flexibility and mobility, as users and devices are assigned to a specific VLAN based on their physical location. Greater flexibility and mobility, as users and devices can move to different ports and still maintain their VLAN assignment.
Security and Overhead Static VLANs have a small administrative overhead and provide good security compared to traditional networks. Dynamic VLANs require more administrative overhead due to the use of a central server and database.

In summary, static VLANs are manually configured and assigned, providing good security and control over network resources. Dynamic VLANs, on the other hand, offer more flexibility and mobility by automating the process of assigning devices to VLANs based on their hardware addresses and using a central server for management.