VLAN
Technology & Computing abbreviation · Networking
| Stands for | Virtual LAN |
|---|---|
| Categories | Technology & Computing |
VLAN stands for Virtual LAN, a networking abbreviation.
Splits one physical switch network into several isolated logical networks, so devices on different VLANs cannot talk directly without passing through a router or firewall. Offices use VLANs to separate staff, guests, phones and security cameras on shared hardware.
Example: Put the IP cameras on VLAN 30 and block it from reaching the internet.
Usage notes
Standardized as IEEE 802.1Q, which adds a 4-byte tag to Ethernet frames carrying a 12-bit VLAN ID, allowing up to 4,094 usable VLANs. Trunk ports carry many tagged VLANs between switches, while access ports carry one untagged VLAN to an end device. Misconfigured trunks enable "VLAN hopping" attacks.
Related abbreviations
More networking abbreviations
- TCP/IP – Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
- TFTP – Trivial File Transfer Protocol
- TTL – Time to live
- UDP – User Datagram Protocol
- UPnP – Universal Plug and Play
- UTP – Unshielded twisted pair
- VNC – Virtual Network Computing
- VPN – Virtual private network
- VXLAN – Virtual Extensible LAN
- WAN – Wide area network
- WAP – Wireless access point
- WEP – Wired Equivalent Privacy