What is VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network)?

Ge to know the basics now about Virtual Local Area Network which is formed by a group of computers. Learn what LAN and VLAN is about, what features it has and why it is beneficial to use VLAN.

In Figure 1 you can see that there are two groups of devices that are physically not in the same place but they are able to create communication channels between them with Ozeki Phone System and a physical network.

what is vlan
Figure 1 - What is VLAN?

First of all, it is necessary to get to know the definition of LAN (Local Area Network). LAN is defined as a broadcast domain. There are several different computers that are connected with each other by a switch or a router. The groups of connected computers form LAN. LAN provides network capability to a group of computers that are close to each other, like in a school, in an office building or even in a home. If you use LAN you divide a physical network into different parts. LAN is usually a company's inside network connection.

VLAN can be defined as a group of devices that can communicate with each other, although they are not on the same LAN segment. As it was mentioned earlier, LAN is a broadcast domain. To create Virtual Local Area Network, you need to create more broadcast domains with the help of a switch or a router.

Implementation

There are basic switches that are not configured for Virtual Local Area Networks. However, they are able to work with VLAN, their functionality is disabled permanently. They have a default VLAN and it consists of ports on the switch for members.

A VLAN has the same features that a LAN has but it enables end stations to be in the same group even if they are not on the same network. To be part of a VLAN is about configuration rather than relocating the devices or connections.

Benefits of VLANs

  • Increase in performance: reduces the size of collision domains and it also limits broadcast traffic.

  • Manageability: easy and less expensive way of modifying groups.

  • Topology independence: VLANs provide independence from a physical network by enabling different segments to connect in a broadcast domain.

  • Increased security: VLAN provides security that other shared networks do not.

Ozeki Phone System can superbly handle Virtual LANs. For example a company has many location points. One location of several computers form a Local Area Network and several LANs form a a Virtual LAN with the help of a switch or a router. Ozeki Phone System is an excellent IP PBX that can switch calls between VoIP, analog and digital phones even if they are in not in the same LAN segment.

To get to know VLAN better, read our articles:

If you became interested in this topic, please watch our video:

What is VLAN? (Video tutorial)

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