What is a Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN)?

A virtual local area network (VLAN) segments a physical network into smaller, isolated networks. It can help improve security and performance on a network.

Layer 2 switches may create and segment VLANs but cannot route traffic between them, unless it has VLAN routing, or router-on-a-stick capabilities.

Layer 3 switches or routers perform routing between VLANs, enabling inter-VLAN communication.

VLANs are identified by VLAN IDs, ranging from 1 to 4095. When VLANs are enabled, a tag is applied to Ethernet frames. This tag encapsulates the data packet for proper VLAN identification.

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