A Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) is a type of networking model that allows the logical grouping together of different nodes on the network regardless of the physical location of all participating nodes. A VLAN enables the network administrator to easily organize workstations or servers dispersed throughout the network into groups resulting in a customized LAN structure. The grouping is possible because of software running in high-speed hardware switches. The software provides for the logical arrangement; the hardware for the physical connection.
VLANs are implemented to achieve scalability, security and ease of network management and can quickly adapt to change in network requirements and relocation of workstations and server nodes.
For example, a network administer might isolate servers that process credit cards in their own VLAN for security purposes even though they are physically connected to the same switch as all other servers.
Or the Marketing Department might need to utilize separate printers than the Accounting department. In this case, each department is allocated their own VLAN and any broadcast requests for printers would only return the correct departmental printers.
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