VLAN
n.n. Stands for Virtual Local Area Network. A way to group computers on a network together even if they are not plugged into the same piece of equipment.
n. Abbreviation for Virtual Local Area Network. A logical subnetwork that groups together a collection of devices from different physical LANs into a single broadcast domain.
The IT department set up a separate VLAN for the guest Wi-Fi.
By using a VLAN, the administrator can ensure that the accounting department's data remains isolated from the rest of the office network for better security.
Implementing multiple VLANs across a single physical switch allows for more efficient traffic management and reduces the size of broadcast domains within a large corporate infrastructure.
An initialism of Virtual Local Area Network, formed by prefixing the adjective virtual to the established networking term LAN.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Often used as a modifier before other nouns, such as 'VLAN tagging' or 'VLAN ID'.
Last updated July 22, 2026