A management virtual local area network (VLAN) is a much smaller network that is contained within your regular network. The primary benefit of using a management VLAN is improved network security. When all management traffic is on a separate VLAN, it is much harder for unauthorized users to make changes to your network or monitor network traffic.
Another potential benefit is that a management VLAN can help you minimize the impact of a broadcast storm on other VLANs by giving you a separate path to access your network.
On NETGEAR devices that support management VLANs, the management VLAN, VLAN 1, is also the native or default VLAN. By default, all ports are members of the default VLAN. For the management VLAN to be secure, it must only be used for controlling and managing your network devices; you must restrict access to the management VLAN and configure other VLANs to carry all regular network traffic. On NETGEAR Smart Switches and fully managed switches, you can change the management VLAN from VLAN 1 to another VLAN. We recommend that you do so only if you fully understand the consequences.
If you decide to restrict access to the management VLAN, for example, with an access control list (ACL), be sure that you make your computer or device a member of the VLAN and add its MAC address to the ACL (if applicable). Otherwise, you must log in from an allowed device or lose access to the management functions of the switch. If you are unable to log in on an allowed device, you must reset the switch to factory default settings to regain management access.
Using a management VLAN is not a substitute for physical security. We recommend that you keep your networking devices (except access points) in a secure, temperature-controlled room with restricted access.
For more information:
- What is a VLAN
- How does a VLAN work on a smart switch?
- What do I need to know about setting up VLANs?
- How to configure a VLAN on a NETGEAR managed switch
- How do I create, configure, and assign VLANs on my Orbi Pro WiFi 6?