Virtual LANs

Question 1

What is a VLAN?

Answer 1

A virtual LAN. Workstations are on the same LAN, but act as though they are associated on their own special LAN (other workstations on the same LAN may be excluded). Workstations may be on separate, but connected segments of the same LAN, or separate segments that act as though they are connected to the same LAN.

Question 2

How does VLAN tagging work?

Answer 2

1. Source sends a frame, which enters a VLAN-capable switch
2. Switch adds a tag to the frame
3. Frame is routed by the switch
4. Receiving switch strips off the tag
5. Frame goes to destination device

Question 3

Name 3 benefits of VLANs.

Answer 3

• more security
• flexibly segment a corporate network: simplify IT work
• flexibly segment a corporate network: reduce traffic, improve network performance

Question 4

What type of network is a VLAN analogous to?

Answer 4

Broadcast domain network