Virtual LAN(VLAN)

Virtual LAN(VLAN)

The Formal definition of a virtual local area network (VLAN) as a local area network configured by software, not by physical wiring or connectivity.

Above Figure shows the same switched LAN divided into VLANs. The whole idea of VLAN technology is to divide a LAN into logical, instead of physical, segments. A LAN can be divided into several logical LANs, called VLANs. Each VLAN is a work group in the organization.

VLANs create broadcast domains. Here two switches are connected.

This is a good configuration for a company with two separate buildings. Each building can have its own switched LAN connected by a backbone. People in the first building and people in the second building can be in the same work group even though they are connected to different physical LANs.