Final answer:
The acronym VLAN stands for Virtual Local Area Network. VLANs allow network administrators to logically segment a network into different broadcast domains, improving performance, security, and network management.
Step-by-step explanation:
The acronym VLAN stands for Virtual Local Area Network. A VLAN is a method of creating separate broadcast domains within a physical network. It allows network administrators to logically segment a network into different VLANs, even if they are physically connected to the same switch or router.
For example, in a company, different departments such as sales, finance, and HR may all be using the same physical network infrastructure. By implementing VLANs, network administrators can separate the network traffic of these departments, ensuring that each department's data remains private and secure.
VLANs have several advantages, including improved network performance, enhanced security, and simplified network management. They can be configured based on various factors such as physical location, department, or functional requirement.