Virtual LANs (VLANs)
A new type of LAN-BN architecture
- Made possible by high-speed intelligent switches
- Computers assigned to LAN segments by software
Often faster and provide more flexible network management
- Much easier to assign computers to different segments
More complex and so far usually used for larger networks
Basic VLAN designs:
- Single switch VLANs
- Multi-switch VLANs