Vlan Tagging

A VLAN, or virtual LAN, is a group of computers on a single LAN (local area network) with each other, even if those computers are not physically connected to the same network switch. Instead, a VLAN is a “logical” grouping of devices within a LAN.

VLANs were created to solve the problem of Too Much Broadcast Traffic. Without VLANs, all devices on a LAN hear all broadcasts sent out on that LAN. This can create a lot of traffic and make it difficult for devices to communicate with each other.

VLANs help reduce broadcast traffic by isolating computers into logical groups. That way, each computer only hears broadcasts from other members of its own group. By default, most switches will place all ports in the same broadcast domain (or VLAN 1).