What does VLAN stand for?

VLAN stands for Virtual Local Area Network. This term is crucial in network design and management as it allows for the segmentation of networks into smaller, isolated sections within a larger network, facilitating improved performance and security. By creating virtual networks, administrators can group devices together logically, regardless of their physical location, which is key for managing traffic and enhancing security by limiting broadcast domains. This also supports the implementation of security policies that can be tailored to specific groups of users or devices.

The other options represent terms that do not exist in networking terminology or use incorrect terminology. For instance, "Virtual Logical Area Network" and "Variable Local Area Network" are not recognized terms within the industry. "Virtual Link Access Network" does not correctly describe how virtual networks function or their intended purpose in modern networking environments. Understanding VLANs is essential for professionals working with network segmentation, traffic control, and security within the framework established by standards like ISA/IEC 62443.