Benefits and Comparisons of Virtual Local Area Networks: Security, Flexibility, and Cost-Efficiency

Introduction

Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) represent a requested technology that provides administrators with significant opportunities. In particular, VLANs allow for the creation of logical networks for a specific number of devices within a single network infrastructure. Irrespective of the physical location of the devices, they can be included in a unique VLAN that will be completely isolated from other VLANs within the same network.

A typical rule is to group devices based on various criteria, including function, location, or department. This technology’s leading function is to isolate traffic between various networks, which will make unauthorized access less probable (Makeri et al., 2021). VLANs include a few valuable elements that make this technology more preferred compared to subnetting and segmentation, and my personal experience with the technology supports this suggestion.

VLAN Elements

To begin with, one should explain what elements of VLAN technology seem the most valuable. Improved security is the most important aspect that VLANs bring. This advantage exists because the technology ensures that traffic is only visible to devices within the same VLAN, which allows network administrators to prevent unauthorized access and protect sensitive data (Makeri et al., 2021). Scalability, or trunking, is another essential element of the technology under analysis. This aspect implies that network administrators can divide a large network into smaller parts, which denotes that a single physical link is used to distribute multiple VLANs (Makeri et al., 2021). A significant benefit of this element is its ability to reduce network congestion.

The following important aspect relates to the management of VLANs. In particular, this element allows for the creation of workgroups that are closed to outsiders (Makeri et al., 2021). That is why it is easier for network administrators to see and solve any issues associated with this limited network. Since any VLAN represents such a limited network, it is easier for administrators to cope with troubleshooting, configuration, and monitoring (Makeri et al., 2021). Finally, another essential element is the fact that the given technology leads to cost savings. This outcome is achieved because numerous VLANs can use a single physical network infrastructure (Sowjanya & Anitha, 2020). For every VLAN, all these elements are of the most significant value.

Comparing Subnets and VLANs

VLANs are not the only technology that divides a physical network into smaller components. It is possible to use subnets to cope with the task, and many network operators use them. This term refers to a separated part of a larger network, creating a more segmented and manageable element (Aranda-Egusquiza& Rojas-Moreno, 2019). Even though the two technologies allow for achieving the same goal, they rely on various principles and processes, which results in essential differences between them. That is why the comparison of these technologies demonstrates that VLANs are a preferred option.

VLANs are more appropriate because they offer a few advantages over subnets. First, VLANs bring more effective security measures to protect sensitive data. This statement implies that administrators can only rely on this technology to isolate sensitive systems and data from the entire network (Makeri et al., 2021). That is why it will become easier for administrators to manage traffic, control access, and prevent data breaches. Second, VLANs impress with higher flexibility compared to the subnets. In particular, the former makes it possible to group devices into narrower networks based on logic, functionality, or organizational needs rather than on their physical location (Makeri et al., 2021). In particular, administrators can include all printers and workstations that the sales department uses into one VLAN. In this case, it does not even matter where these devices are located in the office.

Third, one should stipulate that VLANs are better from an economic perspective. According to Makeri et al. (2021), this technology is less expensive because it does not need any additional cabling or hardware. Separate networks can be established based on the existing network infrastructure, significantly reducing costs and simplifying management. At the same time, subnets cannot provide users and network administrators with these positive features.

Thus, I would prefer the latter option if my task were to choose between subnets and VLANs. This technology implies a few essential benefits for users, network administrators, and entire organizations. VLANs are primarily preferred because of their increased flexibility and security, which is accompanied by relatively low costs. That is why I have no doubts that VLANs are a more appropriate option.

Real-World Experience

Although I cannot state that I have rich work experience, I have already worked in an organization that implemented VLANs. Overall, I liked the technology and understood its numerous benefits irrespective of a significant issue I initially faced. In the beginning, I wouldn’t say I liked the VLAN because it was slow, and I could not access the required information via it. However, it later appeared that all these issues emerged because my device was not correctly configured to access the network.

Once an IT specialist came and solved the issues, the technology revealed all its advantages. Since network traffic was optimized and prioritized, I noticed better connectivity and faster speeds. In addition to that, increased security impressed me because I understood that an outside person could not access data within the network. That is why I am sure that all modern organizations should consider implementing this technology.

Prior to that working experience, I dealt with a physical network segmentation approach. That organization relied on routers, firewalls, and other network devices to separate traffic from many networks. Even though this approach is typically associated with increased security, it seems that VLAN is a preferred option. This technology is better because it only uses switches and does not require any additional hardware. Simultaneously, VLANs provide network administrators with increased flexibility and control because they can adjust traffic in any way according to organizational needs. However, one should understand that each segmentation type implies its strengths and weaknesses, which denotes that these technologies can be ideal in particular conditions.

Conclusion

VLANs represent a widespread technology that has been requested to create separate networks. This approach consists of a few elements, and the most important of them include security, scalability, management, and cost-effectiveness. These phenomena simultaneously present the main benefits that organizations can face after implementing this technology. Additionally, VLANs deserve attention because they have a few advantages over subnetting and a physical network segmentation approach. Since I worked in an organization that relied on this technology, I have first-hand experience working with a VLAN. I liked it and understood that positive attitudes can emerge if employees understand how to use this technology and if their devices are correctly configured. That is why it is reasonable to organize regular training sessions to provide employees with the required knowledge.

References

Aranda-Egusquiza, S., & Rojas-Moreno, A. (2019). Implementation of logical subnets using VLAN ID in an IWLAN through VAP in Wireless PROFINET. 2019 IEEE XXVI International Conference on Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computing, 1-4. Web.

Makeri, Y. A., Cirella, G. T., Galas, F. J., Jadah, H. M., & Adeniran, A. O. (2021). Network performance through Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) implementation & enforcement on network security for enterprise. International Journal of Advanced Networking and Applications, 12(6), 4750-4762.

Sowjanya, N. L., & Anitha, R. (2020). An efficient VLAN implementation to decrease traffic load in a network. International Journal of Advanced Trends in Computer Science and Engineering, 9(2), 2147-2153. Web.

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StudyCorgi. "Benefits and Comparisons of Virtual Local Area Networks: Security, Flexibility, and Cost-Efficiency." November 3, 2024. https://studycorgi.com/benefits-and-comparisons-of-virtual-local-area-networks-security-flexibility-and-cost-efficiency/.

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StudyCorgi. 2024. "Benefits and Comparisons of Virtual Local Area Networks: Security, Flexibility, and Cost-Efficiency." November 3, 2024. https://studycorgi.com/benefits-and-comparisons-of-virtual-local-area-networks-security-flexibility-and-cost-efficiency/.

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