With a protocol-based virtual workgroup, business managers can selectively configure a group of users to communicate using only a specific protocol type. Business productivity is enhanced as the network's bandwidth is restricted to the appropriate application-related traffic. User mobility is enabled throughout the network, since the user retains membership in the policy-based workgroup even though it is plugged into a different port location. With an IP-based virtual workgroup, business managers can selectively and dynamically configure a group of users to communicate by simply designating a range or number of specific IP address into a VLAN domain. Users are afforded greater mobility as the virtual workgroup can be accessed throughout the enterprise.
Administration is simple to setup and change for adding or subtracting users.
Security is enhanced as now only specific IP-allowed devices may gain access to the network. IP addresses are matched to the MAC address in the router for added security using Enterasys' SmartSwitch and SmartSwitch Router products. In addition, VLANs defined by IP multicast groups are able to be routed through routers and WAN connections. The discard VLAN is used in conjunction with other VLANs to enhance security on the network and improve bandwidth availability. The discard VLAN is programmed as a method to dump all data packets from unauthorized users, or traffic from discarded protocols or applications.