Virtual LAN

A Virtual LAN (VLAN) is a logical grouping of network devices that allows for communication as if they were on the same physical network segment, regardless of their actual physical location. VLANs are used to segment a larger physical network into smaller, more manageable groups, and they can also be used to create separate networks for different groups of users or devices.

Creating VLAN

VLANs are created by configuring a switch or router to divide its ports into different virtual segments. Once the VLANs are created, devices connected to the switch or router can be assigned to a specific VLAN, allowing them to communicate with other devices on the same VLAN as if they were connected to the same physical network segment.

Benefits of VLAN

VLANs have several benefits, including:

1. Improved network security: By segmenting a network into smaller groups, VLANs can help to prevent unauthorized access and reduce the risk of network breaches.
2. Better network management: VLANs make it easier to manage and troubleshoot networks by isolating different groups of devices and reducing the amount of broadcast traffic.
3. Increased flexibility: VLANs make it possible to create virtual networks that can be easily moved, added or changed to adapt to changing network requirements.
4. Better network performance: VLANs can help improve network performance by reducing the amount of broadcast traffic and allowing devices to communicate more efficiently.

VLAN vs Physical LAN

A Virtual LAN (VLAN) is different from a traditional LAN (Local Area Network) in several ways:

1. Logical segmentation: A VLAN is a logical grouping of network devices, while a traditional LAN is a physical grouping of devices connected to the same switch or hub. This means that devices in a VLAN can be located in different physical locations and still communicate as if they were on the same network segment, while devices in a traditional LAN must be physically connected to the same network infrastructure.
2. Flexibility: VLANs can be easily created, modified, or deleted to adapt to changing network requirements, whereas traditional LANs are usually based on physical connections and are more difficult to change.
3. Network security: VLANs can segment a network into smaller groups, improving security by isolating different groups of devices and reducing the risk of network breaches. Traditional LANs are not as easily segmented and, therefore may not provide the same level of security.
4. Broadcast traffic: VLANs can be used to reduce the amount of broadcast traffic on a network, which can improve network performance. In traditional LANs, all devices receive broadcast traffic, regardless of whether they need it.
5. Scalability: VLANs can be used to create virtual networks that can be easily expanded to accommodate more devices, while traditional LANs are limited by the number of available ports on the switch or hub.

When to use VLAN?

When budget matters; we should create more virtual network using comparably cheaper switches than routers.