A VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) is a technology that logically divides a physical LAN into multiple separate broadcast domains called VLANs. Each VLAN acts as its own independent network, allowing devices within the same VLAN to communicate directly with each other while preventing communication with devices in different VLANs unless routed through a Layer 3 device. Key points about VLANs:
- They confine broadcast traffic to a single VLAN, reducing network congestion and improving performance.
- VLANs enhance network security by isolating groups of devices so they cannot directly communicate with devices outside their VLAN.
- They improve network management flexibility by allowing devices to be grouped logically by department, function, or role instead of physical location.
- VLANs can be created and managed through software configuration on network switches without needing extra physical cabling.
In essence, VLANs allow a physical network to be segmented into multiple virtual networks for better traffic management, security, and scalability.
