What is the purpose of VLANs in network switching?

The purpose of VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) in network switching is primarily to segment network traffic, which enhances both security and performance. By creating separate logical networks within a physical network infrastructure, VLANs allow administrators to isolate traffic that belongs to different departments, user groups, or applications. This segmentation not only helps in reducing broadcast traffic—since devices in different VLANs do not receive broadcast packets meant for another VLAN—but also enhances security, as sensitive information can be kept within a specific VLAN and restricted from users in other VLANs.

Furthermore, by containing broadcast domains, VLANs improve overall network efficiency and performance since they minimize unnecessary traffic and potential congestion, allowing for more reliable communication between the nodes within the same VLAN.

Options that pertain to increasing data transfer speed, managing data encryption, or providing remote access do not capture the primary role that VLANs play in network design and operation. While VLANs can indirectly lead to better performance, their foundational purpose revolves around traffic management and security rather than direct enhancements to data transfer speeds or encryption management.