VLAN Overview

A virtual LAN, or VLAN, is a group of computers, network printers, network servers, and other network devices that behave as if they were connected to a single network.

In its basic form, a VLAN is a broadcast domain. The difference between a traditional broadcast domain and one defined by a VLAN is that a broadcast domain is seen as a distinct physical entity with a router on its boundary. VLANs are similar to broadcast domains because their boundaries are also defined by a router. However, a VLAN is a logical topology, meaning that the VLAN hosts are not grouped within the physical confines of a traditional broadcast domain, such as an Ethernet LAN.

If a network is created using hubs, a single large broadcast domain results, as ...

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