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 limits 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 servers 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 can:

Supported Operating Systems

IEEE VLANs are supported in the following operating systems. Configuration details are available for Microsoft Windows XP*.

Supported Adapters

Other Implementation Considerations

NOTE: VLANs require VLAN capable switches either implicit (switch only) or explicit (IEEE 802). IEEE VLANs allow multiple VLANs per adapter or team since both the switch and adapter use a tag in the packet header to sort VLANs. 

These teaming options are supported only on Intel PRO/100 and PRO/1000 server adapters. 

IMPORTANT: When using IEEE 802.1Q VLANs, the settings must match between the switch and those adapters using the VLANs.

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