Manageable
VLAN
A virtual LAN (VLAN) is a network of computers or peripherals that behave as if they are connected to the same wire, even though they may actually be physically located
in different locations of a LAN. VLANs are similar to a group of end stations, perhaps on multiple physical LAN segments that are not inhibited by their physical location
and can communicate as if they were on a common LAN.
VLANs are configured through software rather than hardware, which makes the extremely flexible. One of the biggest advantages of VLANs is that when a peripheral is physically moved to another location, it can stay on the same VLAN without any hardware reconfiguration.
Because VLANs are not limited by the hardware constraints that physically connect traditional LAN segments to a network, they can define a network into various logical configurations. For example, VLANs can define a network by function.
In this setting, a system integrator might create one VLAN for multimedia users and another for email users. VLANs can also define a network by location or type of service. For example, a location might have one VLAN for its cameras, another for it access control, and another for its roadside signs.
VLANs can also be set up according to the organization structure within a company. For example, the company president might have his/her own VLAN, the executive staff might have a different VLAN, and the remaining employees might have yet another different VLAN.
As these examples show, VLANs offer matchless flexibility. The following sections describe how deploying VLANs can benefit system integrators and reduce design costs.
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