<networking> (LAN) A data communications network which is geographically limited (typically to a 1 km radius) allowing easy interconnection of terminals, microprocessors and computers within adjacent buildings. Ethernet and FDDI are examples of standard LANs. Because the network is known to cover only a small area, optimisations can be made in the network signal protocols that permit data rates up to 100Mb/s. See also token ring, wide area network, {metropolitan area network}.. Usenet newsgroup: news:comp.dcom.lans.misc. (1995-03-13)

<networking> (VLAN) A logical grouping of two or more nodes which are not necessarily on the same physical {network segment} but which share the same IP network number. This is often associated with switched Ethernet. IEEE 802.1Q is a VLAN standard. [Confirm? Better description? Reference?] (2002-08-30)

Virtual Local Area Network

<networking> Software defined groups of host on a {local area network} (LAN) that communicate as if they were on the same wire, even though they are physically on different {LAN segments} throughout a site. To define a virtual LAN, the network administrator uses a virtual LAN management utility to establish membersip rules that determine which hostss are in a specific virtual LAN. Many models may exist but two seem to dominate: (1) Vitual Segment (or Port-Group) Virtual LAN. These are switched at the data link layer (OSI layer 2). Virtual segments turn an arbitrary number of physical segments into a single virtual segment that funtions as a self-contained traffic domain. (2) Virtual Subnet Virtual LAN: These are switched at the Network Layer (OSI layer 3). Subnet-oriented virtual LANs are based on subnet addresses used by IP, IPX, and other network layer protocols to normally identify physical networks. Administrators assign one subnet address to a number of switch ports (which may be on different switches and over a backbone). Once identified as a virtual subnet, the selected LANs function as a bridge group - traffic is bridged at Layer 2 within the virtual subnet and routed at Layer 3 between virtual subnets. ["The many faces of virtual LANs", Steven King, Network World, 1994/5?]. (1995-04-03)

A virtual LAN (VLAN) is any broadcast domain that is partitioned and isolated in a computer network at the data link layer (OSI layer 2).IEEE 802.

A virtual local area network (VLAN) is any broadcast domain that is partitioned and isolated in a computer network at the data link layer (OSI layer 2).IEEE 802.

Virtual Local Area Network (Reference: LAN, IEEE 802.1q)

A campus network, campus area network, corporate area network or CAN is a computer network made up of an interconnection of local area networks (LANs) within a limited geographical area.Edwards, Wade.