VLAN
Virtual LAN — a logical network segment that groups devices on different physical switches as if on the same network.
Also: Virtual Local Area Network
Definition
A Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) is a logical grouping of network devices on different physical network segments as if they were connected to the same physical network. VLANs are configured on managed switches and segment traffic at Layer 2 (Data Link) without requiring separate physical infrastructure. VLANs improve security (isolating traffic between departments), reduce broadcast domains, and simplify network management. Trunking (IEEE 802.1Q) allows multiple VLANs to share a single network link.
Example
“A company uses VLANs to logically separate HR, Finance, and Engineering traffic on the same physical switches, preventing departments from accessing each other's network resources.”
Synonyms
- virtual network segment
- logical network
- network partition
Antonyms / Opposites
- physical LAN
- flat network
Images
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Related Terms
- network-switch
- trunk-port
- broadcast-domain
- network-segmentation