Construction VLAN Plan Calculator

Design reliable VLAN maps for complex jobsites. Allocate IDs, subnets, and gateways with confidence today. Download tables to coordinate IT, safety, and field teams.

Inputs

Enter a base network and estimate devices per zone.
Use an IPv4 CIDR block large enough for growth.
IDs auto-increment for each planned VLAN.
Applied when row growth is left unchanged.
Extra IP headroom per VLAN for changes.
Gateway = subnet network + offset.
DHCP start = subnet network + offset.
Leaves static IP space near subnet end.

VLAN Rows

Add zones like trailers, cranes, access control, and telemetry.
Name Purpose Devices Growth % Reserve % Remove

Example Data Table

Use this as a quick reference for typical site segmentation.
Zone Typical Devices Suggested Purpose Notes
Office Trailer 40–80 Admin, printing, scheduling, VoIP Keep separate from cameras and guest access.
CCTV & Security 30–70 Cameras, NVR, access control Prefer fixed IPs for recorders and controllers.
Site Wi‑Fi 80–200 Staff phones, tablets, inspection apps Allow higher growth for project ramp‑up phases.
IoT & Telemetry 60–150 Sensors, generators, curing monitors Use strict rules and limit east‑west traffic.

Formula Used

  • Planned devices = ceil(devices × (1 + growth% / 100))
  • Reserve devices = ceil(planned devices × reserve% / 100)
  • Hosts needed = planned devices + reserve devices
  • IPv4 addresses required = hosts needed + 2
  • Block size = next power of two ≥ required addresses
  • Prefix = 32 − log2(block size)
  • Subnet allocation proceeds sequentially inside base CIDR

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter a base CIDR that matches your uplink plan.
  2. Set a starting VLAN ID that fits your policy.
  3. Add each zone and estimate device count.
  4. Adjust growth and reserve for project uncertainty.
  5. Submit to generate VLANs, subnets, and DHCP pools.
  6. Download CSV or PDF to share with crews.

Scope and network zones

On active sites, networks serve offices, safety systems, cameras, and telemetry. This calculator structures those zones into VLAN rows, then assigns sequential IDs and subnets from a base CIDR. Use it to separate traffic, limit broadcast noise, and document responsibilities for contractors. Clear zoning also helps protect critical services such as access control and emergency alerting.

Sizing hosts for field growth

Device counts rarely stay fixed. The planner applies a growth percentage to your current estimate, then adds a reserve percentage to protect against last‑minute additions. Hosts needed equals planned devices plus reserve devices. The resulting host target drives the subnet size, so your plan remains stable during ramp‑up. Review peak days, like concrete pours, when inspection tablets and guest users spike.

Subnet allocation and address discipline

Each VLAN receives the smallest power‑of‑two block that can hold required IPv4 addresses, including network and broadcast. Blocks are aligned and allocated sequentially inside the base network. This keeps the schedule readable, avoids overlaps, and makes later expansion predictable when you introduce new trailers or temporary work fronts. The utilization metric highlights whether your base CIDR is oversized or nearing exhaustion.

DHCP and static address strategy

The tool recommends a gateway offset and a DHCP start offset from the subnet network address. It also reserves space near the end of the subnet for static devices like NVRs, controllers, and fixed radios. Adjust margins to match your standards, then export the plan for configuration. Keep static ranges documented for vendors installing cameras, cranes, or environmental sensors.

Operational notes for jobsite reliability

Keep management devices isolated and restrict inter‑VLAN routing. Document switch locations, uplink labels, and who owns changes. When temporary crews arrive, expand within the next available space rather than reusing addresses. A consistent plan reduces outages and speeds troubleshooting across shifting site phases. Pair the addressing schedule with port maps and maintenance windows for safer cutovers. This supports predictable onboarding and faster incident resolution.

FAQs

1) What base CIDR should I choose for a typical site?

Pick a block that covers current devices plus growth, across all VLANs. Many mid‑size sites start with /22 or /21, while larger projects use /20 or bigger to avoid renumbering later.

2) Why does the calculator add two addresses to each VLAN?

IPv4 subnets reserve one address for the network identifier and one for broadcast. Those two addresses are not assignable to devices, so they are included when sizing each VLAN block.

3) Can I keep fixed devices on static IPs?

Yes. The plan shows a gateway and a DHCP pool, leaving space near the subnet end for static assignments. Use that static space for NVRs, controllers, radios, and infrastructure endpoints.

4) How do I handle guest Wi‑Fi safely?

Place guests in a dedicated VLAN, apply internet‑only rules, and block access to internal services. Use rate limits and stronger authentication when possible to reduce congestion and unauthorized access.

5) What if I run out of address space inside the base network?

Choose a larger base CIDR, reduce growth or reserve, or split the site into multiple base blocks. Avoid squeezing subnets too small, because it increases rework when the project expands.

6) Are VLAN IDs required to match subnet sizes?

No. VLAN IDs are logical identifiers, while subnet size is driven by host needs. Keep IDs consistent with your naming standard so crews can recognize purpose quickly during installs and troubleshooting.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.