What does the acronym VLAN stand for in networking?

The acronym VLAN stands for Virtual Local Area Network. This term is widely used in networking to refer to a logical subnetwork that groups together a collection of devices from different physical LANs. VLANs enable devices to communicate as if they were on the same physical network, regardless of their actual physical location, which adds flexibility and improved network management.

Implementing VLANs allows network administrators to manage traffic efficiently by segmenting the network into distinct broadcast domains. This segmentation enhances security, reduces broadcast traffic, and allows for better performance and organization of the network.

In contrast to VLAN, terms like "Virtual Local Access Node," "Virtual Long Area Network," and "Varying Local Area Network" do not accurately represent the established terminology or concepts in networking. They do not convey the function and benefits of VLANs in network design and management.