What is a function of VLANs in a network?

VLANs, or Virtual Local Area Networks, serve the primary function of promoting network segmentation. By dividing a large network into smaller, isolated segments, VLANs help manage and control broadcast traffic, enhance security, and improve overall network efficiency. Each VLAN acts as a separate logical network, meaning that broadcast traffic from one VLAN is not propagated to others, thus reducing unnecessary traffic and improving performance.

This segmentation allows for better organization and management of network resources. For instance, different departments within an organization can be assigned to different VLANs, limiting access to sensitive information and improving security practices. Additionally, this logical separation can simplify troubleshooting and planning for network scalability.

By utilizing VLANs, network administrators can achieve a more structured and efficient environment where policies can be applied per segment, thus facilitating better network management.