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How to Set Up VLANs with D-Link Smart Managed Switches

Isometric digital illustration showing a D-Link smart managed switch connecting two laptops and two desktop computers across two VLANs—VLAN 10 (red) and VLAN 20 (green)—on a blue grid background, representing segmented network traffic and VLAN configuration.

Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) are a crucial component in modern network management, allowing administrators to segment traffic, enhance security, and streamline performance. If you’re using a D-Link smart managed switch, this D-Link VLAN setup tutorial will guide you through the process of creating and managing VLANs with ease. Whether you’re building a secure enterprise network or isolating devices in a home lab, D-Link switches offer robust VLAN capabilities without the complexity.

 

Isometric digital illustration of VLAN usage showing two separate VLAN groups—VLAN 10 and VLAN 20—connecting multiple devices with red and green network paths. Shield and office building icons emphasize security and segmentation benefits

 

Why Use VLANs?

Before diving into the setup, it’s important to understand why VLANs matter. VLANs allow you to:

  • Segment your network for better performance
  • Isolate traffic between departments or user groups
  • Improve security by limiting broadcast domains
  • Prioritize traffic for voice, video, or critical data

 

For more on VLAN concepts, visit Cloudflare’s VLAN overview.

 

Isometric digital illustration showing four different D-Link switch models—ranging from 8-port to 48-port—connected to VLAN 10 and VLAN 20 segments using red and green network lines, against a blue grid background

 

Supported D-Link Switches

D-Link’s smart managed switches—such as the DGS-1210 Series—support both port-based and 802.1Q tag-based VLANs. These switches are designed for small to medium businesses that need advanced features without enterprise-level complexity.

 

Step-by-step illustration showing VLAN setup on a D-Link switch using four computer monitor icons—log into web interface, navigate to VLAN settings, create VLANs, assign ports—connected with red arrows and a D-Link switch at the center

 

Step-by-Step D-Link VLAN Setup Tutorial

1. Log into the Web Interface

Start by accessing the D-Link switch’s web GUI:

  1. Connect your computer to the switch.
  2. Open a web browser and enter the default IP address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 10.90.90.90).
  3. Login using the default credentials (typically admin for both username and password).

2. Navigate to VLAN Settings

Once logged in:

  1. Go to the VLAN section in the menu—usually under Advanced Settings or L2 Features.
  2. Select 802.1Q VLAN for tag-based VLAN configuration or Port VLAN for simpler setups.

3. Create VLANs

To create VLANs:

  1. Click Add or Create New.
  2. Enter a VLAN ID (e.g., 10 for Finance, 20 for HR).
  3. Assign a VLAN name (optional).
  4. Select which ports are members of the VLAN and whether they are tagged or untagged.

Tagged ports are used when connecting to other switches or VLAN-aware devices. Untagged ports are for endpoint devices.

4. Assign Ports

Next, assign ports to VLANs:

  • Go to VLAN Membership or similar section.
  • Select the VLAN you created.
  • Choose ports as Tagged (T), Untagged (U), or Not a Member (N).
  • Click Apply to save settings.

5. Set the PVID (Port VLAN ID)

PVIDs tell the switch which VLAN untagged traffic on a port belongs to:

  • Navigate to PVID Settings.
  • Set the PVID for each port based on the VLAN you want it to default to.

6. Test Your VLAN Configuration

After configuration, test connectivity between devices. Devices in the same VLAN should communicate, while devices in different VLANs should not (unless routing is configured).

 

Flat-style infographic showing four VLAN best practices with icons: use descriptive VLAN names, always back up your configuration, enable management VLANs, and limit access to the switch interface—set against a grid-patterned blue background.

 

Best Practices

  • Use descriptive VLAN names for easy identification.
  • Always back up your configuration after changes.
  • Enable management VLANs for administrative access.
  • Limit access to the switch interface with strong passwords and IP filtering.

 

Flat-style illustration on a blue grid background showing advanced VLAN tips with three labeled icons: a Layer 3 Switch, Inter-VLAN Routing between VLAN 10 and VLAN 20, and a Router—visually representing key components of complex VLAN configuration

 

Advanced VLAN Tips

If you need inter-VLAN routing, consider integrating a Layer 3 switch or router. D-Link also provides models that support static routing and Layer 3 features. Learn more on D-Link’s support site.

Troubleshooting

If devices cannot communicate:

  • Check if VLANs are correctly assigned and saved.
  • Verify that cables are properly connected.
  • Ensure the correct PVID is set on each port.
  • Restart the switch if changes are not applying.

Final Thoughts

This D-Link VLAN setup tutorial gives you the tools to design a segmented, secure, and high-performance network using smart managed switches. VLANs not only improve traffic management but also enable scalability as your network grows.

For more detailed D-Link VLAN resources and firmware updates, visit the official D-Link website.