VLAN is the acronym for Virtual Local Area Network.
VLAN is an acronym that derives from an English expression: virtual LAN . That expression, for its part, refers to an acronym since LAN means Local Area Network . In this way, we can affirm that the idea of VLAN refers to a local area network (what we know as LAN ) of a virtual nature.
It is a concept that is used in the field of computing to name the development of logical networks linked to a single physical network . This means that, on the same physical network, different VLANs can be established.
The usefulness of VLANs lies in the possibility of separating those logical segments that make up a LAN and that do not have the need to exchange information with each other through the local area network. This feature contributes to more efficient administration of the physical network.
Composition of a VLAN
Specifically, a VLAN can be formed with two computer networks (computers) that are connected, in a physical sense, to different segments of a LAN , but that nevertheless act as if they were linked to the same port.
Since the VLAN configuration is done through hardware , the virtual network has great stability and strength.
Your benefits
The fact that VLANs have become a fundamental part of our society at different levels is because they bring with them a long list of advantages. Specifically, among the most significant benefits we can highlight the following:
- It is considered that they contribute to achieving a decrease in traffic transmission on the network.
- In the same way, we must not forget that they considerably improve and increase security. This is due, among other things, to the fact that the information being worked with is “encapsulated” .
- Of course, we must not forget that they allow greater flexibility in network changes and also in administration.
- In addition, it is established that using VLANs is a way to achieve significant economic savings, since costs are reduced both when making updates and when using bandwidth .
Better performance, greater efficiency and even smaller broadcast domains are other advantages that stand out from the aforementioned local area networks.
A VLAN is a logical network linked to a single physical network.
VLAN Types
There are several ways to establish a VLAN . Level 1 VLANs are those that are developed from the use of ports . Level 2 VLANs , on the other hand, are created through MAC address assignment or by protocol class.
There are also Level 3 VLANs , which involve the creation of virtual subnets, and higher level VLANs (one VLAN per application ).
In addition to all the information we have given, it is important that we are clear that VLANs can also be classified into two large groups:
- Dynamic VLANs . They have the particularity that in them the assignment is carried out based on software packages.
- Static VLANs . They are based on ports.