5
VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) A VLAN is a group of end-stations that are not constrained by
their physical location and can communicate as if in a common
broadcast domain, a LAN. The primary utility of using VLAN is
to reduce latency and need for routers, using faster switching
instead. Other VLAN utility include:
¾ Security
Security is increased with the reduction of opportunity in
eavesdropping on a broadcast network because data will be
switched to only those confidential users within the VLAN.
¾ Cost Reduction
VLANs can be used to create multiple broadcast domains, thus
eliminating the need of expensive routers.
Port-based (or port-group) VLAN is the common method of
implementing a VLAN, and is the one implimented in the Switch.
Each Switch port can belong to one or more of up to twenty four
VLANs.