Virtual LANs

A Virtual LAN (VLAN) is a desktop switching architecture that enables IT Managers to segment a corporate network's broadcast and node-to-node traffic for the purpose of improving overall network performance and security.

VLANs are usually resorted to whenever traditional backbone routers fail to meet the demands of fast, switched networks. Software-based VLANs resolve this problem by grouping the PCs, servers and other network resources of a department or interest group to a specific port on the same or different switches.

Confining and controlling traffic in this manner limits the distribution of broadcast, unicast and multicast traffic, which frees network bandwidth, eliminates broadcast storms and reduces the need for expensive routing between switches.

Network security can also be improved because all packets traveling between VLANS may also pass through a router where standard router-based security measures can be implemented.

VLAN Configurations: How are packets assigned to a VLAN? We look at the three basic VLAN configurations.