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16-VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network)

A VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) is a method of network segmentation that creates multiple logical networks within a physical network, enhancing security, efficiency, and management. VLANs allow devices to communicate as if they were on separate networks, with benefits including improved security, reduced congestion, and easier management. VLAN tagging is used to identify network traffic, and inter-VLAN communication requires a router or Layer 3 switch.

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13 views2 pages

16-VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network)

A VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) is a method of network segmentation that creates multiple logical networks within a physical network, enhancing security, efficiency, and management. VLANs allow devices to communicate as if they were on separate networks, with benefits including improved security, reduced congestion, and easier management. VLAN tagging is used to identify network traffic, and inter-VLAN communication requires a router or Layer 3 switch.

Uploaded by

mo
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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16-VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network)

📌 What is VLAN?
A VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) is a network segmentation method that divides a physical network into
multiple logical networks. This improves security, efficiency, and management by allowing devices to
communicate as if they were on separate networks, even when connected to the same switch.

🔹 Think of a VLAN as a "virtual wall" inside a physical network, keeping certain devices isolated from
others.

🔍 Why Use VLANs?


✅ Network Segmentation: Separates devices into groups without needing extra hardware.
✅ Improved Security: Isolates sensitive data (e.g., finance from guest users).
✅ Better Performance: Reduces network congestion by limiting unnecessary traffic.
✅ Easier Management: VLANs can be reconfigured through software without rewiring.

🏗️ How VLAN Works?


1. A switch assigns different devices to different VLANs based on rules.
2. Devices in the same VLAN can communicate directly.
3. Devices in different VLANs need a router or Layer 3 switch to communicate.

📌 Example:
VLAN 10 (Sales) → Only Sales department computers.
VLAN 20 (IT) → Only IT staff and servers.
VLAN 30 (Guests) → Internet access but no internal network access.

🔹 Types of VLANs
VLAN Type Description
Default VLAN All devices are in VLAN 1 by default.
Data VLAN Used for standard user traffic (e.g., VLAN 10 for Sales).
Voice VLAN Prioritizes VoIP (Voice over IP) traffic.
Management VLAN For network administrators to configure switches.
Native VLAN Used for untagged traffic on trunk ports.

🔗 VLAN Tagging (802.1Q Standard)


Since VLANs exist virtually, network traffic needs a way to identify which VLAN a packet belongs to. This is
done using VLAN tagging, where switches insert a VLAN ID inside network frames.
🔹 Access Ports vs. Trunk Ports

Port Type Function


Access Port Connects to end devices (PCs, printers) and belongs to one VLAN.
Trunk Port Connects to another switch and carries multiple VLANs.

🔥 VLAN Benefits vs. Traditional LAN


Feature VLAN Traditional LAN
Security High (isolates traffic) Low (devices can access everything)
Scalability Easy to expand Requires rewiring
Network Traffic Reduced congestion More broadcast traffic
Device Grouping Logical (software-based) Physical (cables & ports)

🏆 Conclusion
🔹 VLANs improve network security, efficiency, and management by logically separating traffic.
🔹 They require switches that support VLAN tagging (802.1Q).
🔹 For inter-VLAN communication, a router or Layer 3 switch is needed.

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