VLAN within a VLAN?

[jfc1003]

First some background:
We use Cisco 2960 switches and we have 8 vlans (1-8). Recently our city completed a fiber loop around the city and our ISP has connected to that fiber loop. They connect us to the fiber using a Cisco 2960 switch. They utilize a vlan to send our traffic through the fiber to their office and then out to the internet.

We are opening a new office on the other side of town that will also be on the same fiber loop. Our ISP said they could create another vlan to connect us to our remote site thus allowing us to obtain 100mbps speeds between the two offices. At the same time, the PCs at the remote office will think they are on our network. No routing, VPNS, etc.

I want to know if we can pass our vlan traffic though our ISP's vlan and over to the remote office where we can continue to use our 8 vlan IDs on the other side. Like running a vlan within a vlan....

 

[KiscoKid]

Yes it's possible using something called Q-in-Q Vlan tagging.

However the ISP has to be able to be in a position to provide this for you. Give them a call and ask if they support this.

The following link from Cisco that explains more about this technology and how the service provider will need to set it up:

http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/software/ios123/123newft/123t/123t_7/gt_qinq.htm

 

[jfc1003]

Actually we found that it is called 802.11Q tunneling. I guess tagging is the terminology used on a specific series of Cisco equipment. Our ISP has a 3524 switch and we are going to see if they can do it.

 

[KiscoKid]

Yes Q-in-Q and 802.1q tunnelling are one and the same thing.

Doubt the 3524 will support this feature as its quite new. They may need to look at more recent switches such as the 3550 and upwards would be my guess.

 

[UnaBomber]

I guess tagging is the terminology used on a specific series of Cisco equipment.

Tagging refers to dot1q as it tags frames rather than encapsulating them for vlan Identifiers


UnaBomber
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