VLAN stands for Virtual Local Area Network. The TEG-424WS offers VLAN as defined in IEEE 802.1Q standard. The TEG-424WS works with any network Switch that support the same standard. VLAN allows grouping of physical workstations/servers into a logical structure regardless where systems are physically connected or located on the network. Multiple VLANs can be created on a single or span across multiple network Switches.

Each VLAN is a self-contained logical local area network. Data is being transmitted and received within members of the same VLAN. In other words, data traffic seen in one VLAN is completely invisible in another VLAN.

Major reasons for implementing VLAN is network security and network management. VLAN has inherent data security feature where VLAN isolates broadcast network traffics from other VLANs on the same physical network. Workstations and servers are properly shielded from possible network intrusion. VLAN also offers important network management functions for network administrators where each VLAN represents logical grouping of users, such as users from the engineering department or users from the sales department. Once VLANs are properly configured according to certain logical groupings, network administrators can very easily manage the network according to pre-determined business rules or based on any other business criteria.

Since systems in each VLAN can communicate with their own members, broadcast data traffic is significantly reduced across the entire network infrastructure. VLAN can be an effective tool for managing broadcast traffics on the network.

A common practice for network administrators is to create multiple VLANs sharing common network appliances such as an Internet Router or a network gateway. In this type of network configuration, VLANs are unable to communicate with each other; however, all workstations/servers can communicate with a common network device.

VLAN requires an experienced network administrator with careful planning in order to rollout a successful and secured network. TEG-424WS provides graphical web interface ensuring VLAN configuration is easy and troublefree.