Configuration Guide     152
Configuring 802.1Q VLAN Overview
1 
Overview 
VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) is a network technique that solves broadcasting issues 
in local area networks. It is usually applied in the following occasions:
To restrict broadcast domain: VLAN technique divides a big local area network into 
several VLANs, and all VLAN traffic remains within its VLAN. It reduces the influence of 
broadcast traffic in Layer 2 network to the whole network.
To enhance network security: Devices from different VLANs cannot achieve Layer 2 
communication, and thus users can group and isolate devices to enhance network 
security.
For easier management: VLANs group devices logically instead of physically, so devices 
in the same VLAN need not be located in the same place. It eases the management of 
devices in the same work group but located in different places.