What does VLAN stand for and what is its primary function?

The term VLAN stands for Virtual Local Area Network. Its primary function is to segment network traffic. A VLAN allows network administrators to create logically separated networks within a physical network infrastructure. This means that devices on the same physical network can be grouped together into distinct broadcast domains. By doing so, VLANs enhance the overall performance and security of the network. They help in managing traffic more efficiently and can reduce congestion by minimizing broadcast traffic to only devices within the same VLAN.

When devices are organized into VLANs, they can communicate as if they are on the same local network, irrespective of their actual physical location. This segmentation provides a way to isolate sensitive data, improve security protocols, and even enforce policies on specific groups of users. Overall, VLANs play a crucial role in modern network design and structure.