Best Practices for Managing VLANs on Zyxel Switches in a Small Business Network?

jonathanjone

Hey everyone,

I'm currently setting up a small business network and using a few Zyxel GS1900 series switches. I want to implement VLANs for better traffic segmentation and security (e.g., separating guest WiFi, VOIP, and internal LAN traffic). I’ve gone through some of the documentation, but I’d appreciate some real-world insights from the community.

Specifically

1. What are your best practices when configuring VLANs on Zyxel switches?
2. How do you manage inter-VLAN routing—do you prefer using the Zyxel switch itself or an external router/firewall?
3. Have you encountered any issues with DHCP relay or tagging across multiple switches?

Would love to hear how other SMBs are structuring their VLANs with Zyxel gear. Screenshots or config examples would be a bonus

Thanks in advance

Zyxel_Judy

Hi @jonathanjone ,

This article provides screenshots and step-by-step instructions for configuring VLANs on the GS1900.

https://community.zyxel.com/en/discussion/18826/how-to-configure-vlan-on-gs1900

The GS1900 doesn't support routing features, so you'll need a separate router, firewall, or Layer 3 switch for routing.

The GS1900 also doesn't support DHCP relay functionality. However, other Layer 3 switches that do support DHCP relay should handle this normally. The VLAN tagging configuration itself works correctly and shouldn't cause any issues.

You can find compatible Layer 3 switches here

Switch | Zyxel Networks

Zyxel_Judy

Hi @jonathanjone ,

This article provides screenshots and step-by-step instructions for configuring VLANs on the GS1900.

https://community.zyxel.com/en/discussion/18826/how-to-configure-vlan-on-gs1900

The GS1900 doesn't support routing features, so you'll need a separate router, firewall, or Layer 3 switch for routing.

The GS1900 also doesn't support DHCP relay functionality. However, other Layer 3 switches that do support DHCP relay should handle this normally. The VLAN tagging configuration itself works correctly and shouldn't cause any issues.

You can find compatible Layer 3 switches here

Switch | Zyxel Networks