Abstract: Method and apparatus for modifying standard VLAN tags to perform network packet switching. The method includes receiving a data packet at a port of a network switch and determining whether the data packet has a virtual local area network (VLAN) tagged frame. If the received data packet has a VLAN tagged frame, then the method further includes modifying and encoding fixed portions of the VLAN tag frame with switching information. The switching information includes information for central management of data packet flow through the network switch.