What does the abbreviation VLAN stand for?

The abbreviation VLAN stands for Virtual Local Area Network. This term refers to a logical segmentation of a computer network, allowing devices on a single physical network to be grouped logically. This grouping enhances network efficiency and security by isolating traffic based on the functional areas of a business or department rather than physical location. VLANs enable multiple broadcast domains on a single physical network, improving network management and performance.

Through this approach, network administrators can create separate networks (VLANs) that can communicate with each other while remaining isolated from one another, which is beneficial for managing network traffic and ensuring that sensitive data remains secure.