This IEEE Standards product is part of the 802 family on LAN/MAN. This standard defines an architecture for Virtual Bridged LANs, the services provided in Virtual Bridged LANs, and the protocols and algorithms involved in the provision of those services.

To develop an architecture and bridge (1) protocols for the logical partitioning of a Bridged Local Area Network (1-2-3) that provides separate instances of the MAC service (4) to administratively defined groups of users, independent of physical location. The architecture and protocols will be compatible and interoperable with existing Bridged Local Area Network equipment and will support a range of implementations.

This standard will provide an architecture, protocols, and mappings for bridges to provide that interoperability and consistent management.