# Virtual LANs

A Virtual LAN (VLAN) is a logical grouping of network devices put together as a LAN regardless of their physical grouping. VLANs let a user see and access only specified network segments and limit collision domains. This increases network performance and allows network security.

| VLANs offer the ability to group computers together into logical workgroups. This can simplify network administration when connecting clients to servers that are geographically dispersed across the building, campus, or enterprise network. Typically, VLANs consist of co-workers within the same department but in different locations, groups of users running the same network protocol, or a cross-functional team working on a joint project.

By using VLANs on your network, you may be able to:

- Improve network performance

- Limit broadcast storms

- Improve adds, moves, and changes

- Minimize security problems

- Ease your management task

## VLAN Support Matrix

The following table identifies the combinations of Intel gigabit adapters and operating system support for VLANs.

Operating System► ▼Intel gigabit adapter | Windows (NT 4.0, 2000, XP) | NetWare (4.11 and above) | UnixWare (7.x ddi8 and OpenUnix* 8) | Linux | Solaris | FreeBSD
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Intel PRO/1000 Server Adapter (original) | Yes | No | No | No | No | No
Intel PRO/1000 XT, XF, T, F Server Adapters | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No

- Windows NT 4.0 VLANs require Service Pack 6a or later.

- To set up IEEE VLAN membership (multiple VLANs), your adapter must be attached to a switch with IEEE 802.1Q VLAN capability.

- VLANs can co-exist with teaming (if the adapter supports both). If you do this, the team must be defined first, then you can set up your VLAN. In Windows, teams and VLANs are set up using Intel® PROSet.

| IMPORTANT: When using IEEE 802.1Q VLANs, VLAN ID settings must match between the switch and those adapters using the VLANs.

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