VLANs

Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) provide security and create smaller broadcast domains through data networks by creating virtually separated subnets. Broadcasts are a natural occurrence in most data networks from protocols used by PCs, servers, switches, and routers. Creating a separate VLAN for voice reduces the amount of broadcast traffic the telephone will receive. Separate VLANs result in more effective bandwidth utilization and reduce the server burden on endpoints by not sending irrelevant packets. VLANs, a layer 2 feature, are defined in data switches and a VLAN for voice can also be specified from a list on the switch port from the IP telephone. Separate voice and data VLANs are recommended for most customers.