Virtual Local Area Networks (VLAN) allow you to partition a physical network so that you have multiple networks defined. This might be useful in creating a Church network on multiple campuses. The VLAN would span multiple physical networks, but act like one big network with large capacity.

A VLAN has to be set up by a network engineer using software for definition and management. The software can automatically assign nodes to the VLAN as needed to support attaching and detaching computer systems.