With the increasing complexity of LAN networks, the need for VLANs is growing. But what is VLAN? VLANs are a strategy that enhances scalability, reduces latency, and improves security.

Due to their virtual nature, VLANs can connect to wireless networks and overcome the physical limitations of traditional LANs. Take a look at this article to learn more about VLANs.

What Is VLAN?

Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) is a subnetwork that groups devices on a separate LAN based on their function and department, rather than their physical location. 

This means that even if a department is on a different floor, virtual LAN can provide connectivity without requiring them to be on the same physical network.

VLANs allow network administrators to divide physical networks into subnetworks, enabling independent and isolated operation. 

This eliminates the need to run new cables or alter the network infrastructure, making VLANs a flexible solution.

The primary goals of VLANs are to enhance security and improve network efficiency. By segmenting the network, VLANs reduce congestion and mitigate security risks while still allowing virtual connectivity and independent operation. 

Additionally, VLANs help avoid network collisions and resource wastage by creating distinct LAN segments.

VLANs Function

After you understand what is VLAN, you need to know its function. Apart from dividing the network into several parts, there are other functions you need to know.

1. Scalability and Flexibility

VLANs provide scalability and flexibility in creating networks, allowing you to move networks between VLANs without changing existing infrastructure. So you can easily add or remove devices in the network.

2. Improving Network Performance

VLANs improve network performance by reducing unnecessary traffic. VLAN will divide the network into subnetworks, decreasing the load on hosts processing broadcasts from other devices.

3. Isolating Traffic

In addition to improving network performance, VLANs can isolate traffic to make devices on one VLAN cannot see traffic from other VLANs without proper access.

4. Improving Security

Using VLANs can improve network security in the company. You can isolate devices in a department so that they cannot access other departments.

This way, the private data in the department can be stored safely because it can only be accessed by certain employees or departments.

5. Simplifying Network Administration

VLANs simplify administration by allowing administrators to restrict access to specific user groups and group devices based on certain criteria. 

This process reduces the time and effort required for configuration and security measures.

Types of VLANs

After knowing what is VLAN and its function, let's learn about its types. The types of VLAN are as follows.

1. VLAN Data

Data VLAN is a subnetwork responsible for carrying user data and separating user data traffic from other network traffic. This improves network performance and security.

2. Default VLAN

Default VLAN is responsible for naming the configuration when the switch is turned on. The default VLAN is already present on the switch when it is first activated.

Not only that, this type of VLAN helps all ports communicate with each other when the switch is set up for the first time. Since it is the default, this VLAN name cannot be deleted or changed.

3.  Port-Based VLAN

Port-based VLANs organize switch ports so each can be a member of a specific VLAN, ensuring all devices connected to a port are part of the same VLAN. 

4.  Native VLAN

Native VLAN is used on a trunk link between two or more switches to identify traffic that does not have a VLAN tag. 

This allows a device to communicate with the network even if it does not support VLANs at the other end of the trunk link. 

5. Management VLAN

This VLAN type manages and accesses network devices and switches. Management VLANs allow administrators to access the device management interface over the network to manage and troubleshoot network issues.

6.  Voice VLAN

This type of VLAN is responsible for the transport of voice over IP (VoIP) or voice traffic and the separation of voice traffic from data traffic. These activities can maintain voice quality and prevent call interference.

Benefits of VLANs

To know more about what is VLAN, it is time to learn the benefits for networks, devices, and companies. The benefits of VLANs are as follows.

1. Provide Priority and Quality of Service

VLANs give priority to certain traffic, such as voice, data traffic, or video to ensure quality of service, especially for applications with high bandwidth or low latency.

2. Reduce Operating Costs

Companies can save on operating costs associated with network infrastructure. When you use VLANs, you do not need a router unless you need to move data out of the VLAN.

VLANs also do not need to communicate with devices on the network through routers, reducing network latency.

3. Maintain Device Security

VLANs can be used to separate Internet of Things (IoT) devices or devices connected over the Internet network so that they do not have access to more data than they need.

4. Able to Separate Tissues

By using VLANs, you can separate public and private networks. For example, if someone is connecting to a co-working space's WiFi, they will not have access to the co-working space's business data because the data has been partitioned.

5. Make It Easy for Users to Mobilize

VLAN technology offers significant flexibility, enabling users to maintain network access regardless of their physical location changes within the network. 

This mobility is crucial in modern work environments where employees often need to move between different departments, offices, or even buildings without experiencing interruptions in their network services. 

How VLAN Works

VLANs connect devices across multiple VLAN networks, managing communication traffic through a server that creates its broadcast domain. 

VLANs are identified by numbers ranging from 1 to 4094. Assigning ports on the VLAN switch with these numbers enables the switch to send data to ports within the same VLAN. 

Then, traffic between switches is managed by assigning appropriate ports on each network switch.

Conclusion

That is the complete explanation of what is VLAN. At last, using VLAN is one of the effective steps to improve employee performance. It also helps companies achieve business goals more efficiently.

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