What does VLAN stand for?

VLAN stands for Virtual Local Area Network. This term is used to describe a logical grouping of devices on one or more physical networks, allowing them to behave as if they are part of the same local network, even if they are geographically dispersed. This capability enhances network management by segregating traffic and providing better security and performance.

Using VLANs, network administrators can create distinct broadcast domains within a single switch or across multiple switches, reducing the size of the broadcast domain and isolating traffic among different departments or types of devices. The flexibility to configure and manage these networks virtually allows organizations to optimize their network architecture without the need for complex physical changes to the infrastructure.

The other options do not accurately describe VLAN: Link Access Node and Variable Local Area Network do not relate to standard networking terminology, and Visual Local Area Network is not recognized in professional networking contexts. Thus, the definition of VLAN as a Virtual Local Area Network is both technically accurate and commonly accepted in networking practices.