As modern networks become more complex, IT teams are turning to VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) to simplify management, improve performance, and enhance security. VLANs allow you to segment your network logically rather than physically—giving you greater control over traffic, access, and resource allocation. In this article, we’ll break down the top benefits of VLANs and explain how the advantages can make your business network more flexible, scalable, and secure.
What Is a VLAN and How Does It Work?
But what exactly is a VLAN? A VLAN allows you to segment a network without needing separate hardware. So, you can have a single physical switch, but multiple different networks connected.
You can group computers, servers, or other resources into a network based on department or user type. It doesn’t have to be based entirely on physical location. The computers might be on various floors of a building or spread out over different locations, but everyone in the network segment shares the same network resources and bandwidth.
You could think about it like a neighborhood of homes connected to the same city water main. Everyone is getting their water from the same line. But imagine there are people who want fluoride in their water and others who don’t. So, the water company needs to group the fluoride-loving homeowners in one network, whereas homes 802, 907, and 1106 are grouped together to get their own water supply.
In business, containing a department’s traffic to a single VLAN can:
- help with network efficiency by reducing extraneous traffic;
- enhance security by creating a virtual boundary around that business unit;
- improve bandwidth performance by limiting node-to-node and broadcast traffic;
- save workplace disruption, as there is no need to physically match up ports and switches on a network.
Top Benefits of Using VLANs in Business Networks
VLANs can also prioritize data, separate private and public networks, or secure specific devices.
What do we mean by VLAN priority? You might think about a highway with a concrete barrier dividing traffic. Administrators can keep data from merging over into the voice traffic lane. Prioritizing using VLANs helps maintain the quality of service users expect.
Another common use of VLANs is separating private and public networks. When you log onto a hotel's public Wi-Fi, you can't access their internal business resources. That’s because the backup servers and other resources have been segmented. The back-of-house computers are all connected on the private network. The VLAN keeps you from accessing them on the public network.
VLANs have also gained in popularity with the growth of the Internet of Things. Smart devices offer many advantages, but they also represent new security vulnerabilities. Each of those sensors, wearables, and IoT devices could be an entry-point to your network. That's no good if they’re connected to a network with sensitive and proprietary business data. With a VLAN, you can separate IoT devices to prevent them from accessing more than they need to.
Improved Network Security
The same is true of security cameras. You can’t trust they are safe. For example, many government sites have banned the world’s leading brand of camera. There are concerns a foreign power could exploit the connected cameras. With a VLAN in place, though, the security camera can be prevented from accessing the internet so it can't “phone home.”
Looking to set up or secure VLANs for your business? Our network support experts can determine the logical connection for your networked devices. Enjoy increased performance, added flexibility, and easy scalability by selecting a VLAN solution.
🧠 Ready to Segment and Secure Your Network with VLANs?
Virtual LANs (VLANs) can boost security, reduce congestion, and simplify management — but only when properly designed. At Landon Technologies, we offer expert network services and IT consulting to help businesses implement VLANs that scale with their needs.
- Custom VLAN planning and switch configuration
- Performance tuning and security segmentation
- Remote and on-site network support
- Ongoing monitoring through Managed IT plans
🏢 We support businesses nationwide — including Miami, FL — with advanced networking solutions tailored for growth.
Call us at (888) 596-3998 for questions related to our services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the security benefits of VLANs?
VLANs, or Virtual Local Area Networks, are a method to segment a network into smaller, isolated groups. This segmentation improves security by limiting the broadcast domain, reducing the chance of unauthorized access or data breaches within a network.
What are three disadvantages of VLANs?
A VLAN, or Virtual Local Area Network, is a subgroup within a network that combines a group of devices on separate physical LANs into a single logical network. This enables devices to communicate as if they were on the same physical network, despite being geographically dispersed.
What are the advantages of VLAN over subnetting?
VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) primarily offer improved network management and security. Unlike subnetting, which divides a network physically based on IP addresses, VLANs segregate network traffic logically regardless of users' physical locations. This allows for easier management of network policies and better control over data access and security.
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