Virtual LANs

A Virtual LAN (VLAN) is a logical grouping of network devices put together as a LAN regardless of their physical grouping. VLANs let a user see and access only specified network segments and limit collision domains. This increases network performance and allows network security.

VLANs offer the ability to group computers together into logical workgroups. This can simplify network administration when connecting clients to computers that are geographically dispersed across the building, campus, or enterprise network.

Typically, VLANs consist of co-workers within the same department but in different locations, groups of users running the same network protocol, or a cross-functional team working on a joint project. 

By using VLANs on your network, you may be able to:

VLAN Support Matrix

The following table identifies the operating system support for VLANs.

 

 

Windows  
(NT 4.0, 2000, XP)

NetWare
(4.11 and 
above)

 Linux 

FreeBSD

UnixWare, OpenUNIX Solaris

Intel PRO/1000 T Desktop Adapter

Yes Yes Yes Yes No No
Intel PRO/1000 MT Desktop Adapter Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
IMPORTANT: When using IEEE 802.1Q VLANs, VLAN ID settings must match between the switch and those adapters using the VLANs.
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