IEEE 802.1Q

IEEE 802.1Q is a networking standard that enables multiple virtual networks to run over a single physical switch or cable. Think of it like adding labels or tags to data packets so they can be directed to different virtual “channels” or segments within the same physical infrastructure. This helps organizations improve network efficiency, security, and management by isolating traffic for different departments or services, even though they share the same hardware. Essentially, 802.1Q allows a simple physical network to behave like multiple separate networks simultaneously.