1998
IEEE 802.1Q is published as the VLAN tagging standard
Network / Tech History
Why VLANs Were Invented
VLANs emerged because growing Ethernet networks could no longer be separated only by physical cables.
The Problem
Large LANs created large broadcast domains. Earlier, networks had to be physically separated if groups needed to operate separately.
The Story
IEEE 802.1Q standardized VLAN tagging. Multiple logical networks could now run over the same physical switching infrastructure.
The Technical Idea
A VLAN tag marks which logical network a frame belongs to. Access ports carry one VLAN untagged, trunks carry multiple VLANs tagged.
What Survived Until Today?
Access, trunk, tagged, untagged, native VLAN and broadcast domain come from this segmentation logic.
Why Event Technicians Still Care
Management, Dante, lighting, video and guest internet often need separation. VLANs save cables but require clean documentation.
Eventhacker Field Example
A trunk to the stage carries management, Dante and lighting. A wrong untagged VLAN can make a device appear to disappear.
Timeline
2000s
VLANs become common in managed switches