A VLAN stands for virtual LAN. A LAN or local area network, is a group of connected devices within a localised area, that usually share a central internet connection.
A VLAN separates devices in one LAN to create smaller groups making it easier to manage. They can be categorised into tagged or untagged. Untagged VLANs have a simple point-to-point traffic flow without VLAN tags, often used as the default setup. Tagged VLANs use VLAN tags to direct traffic across multiple VLANs, allowing switch ports to handle various destinations.
By using VLANs, we can divide our LANs into smaller, virtual networks that function just like regular LANs, but are separated logically or virtually rather than physically.
One primary reason to use VLANs is to manage traffic efficiently. VLANs allow us to enjoy all the advantages of physically separating our network without additional hardware. The traffic behaves as if it were on separate physical networks, providing the same performance and security at a lower cost.
VLANs offer several advantages, making it easier to divide a single network into smaller, secure, and functional sections without major changes to the existing setup. With VLANs, you can create multiple virtual networks on a single physical port or Wi-Fi connection. They help improve network performance by grouping devices that communicate frequently together, reducing traffic, and simplifying the control of domains. VLANs also make network administration easier and significantly enhance security.
Understanding Subnets
A subnet, or subnetwork, is essentially a smaller section within a larger network. By dividing a network into these smaller parts, subnetting helps organise and manage the overall system more effectively. This approach improves performance by reducing unnecessary traffic and making the network run faster and more efficiently.
It also allows for more efficient use of IP addresses, simplifying their assignment and management. Additionally, subnetting reduces the likelihood of network congestion and enhances security by isolating different parts of the network from each other.
VLAN vs. Subnet
A VLAN, or Virtual LAN, is a logical network that allows devices within the same LAN to communicate with each other. It enables the creation of different physical and logical networks within the same physical infrastructure. VLANs are configured on the switch, where you can decide which ethernet ports are assigned to which VLAN, making it a concept based on MAC addresses. VLANs offer better and more stable network access and are primarily software-based.
On the other hand, a subnet is a logical partition of an IP network, defined by a specific range of IP addresses, which helps devices communicate over the network layer. Subnetting allows the creation of logical networks within the same physical network, but the IP address determines it. Subnets are more hardware-based and offer limited control compared to VLANs.
VLANs cannot replace IP subnets but can help organise your network for better scalability, resilience, security, or other specific needs. VLANs and subnets complement each other: VLANs separate traffic at the data link layer while sharing the same infrastructure, unlike physically separate switches, and subnets enable the necessary routing for communication between VLANs.
Because hosts in different VLANs can’t communicate directly, inter-VLAN routing is required. This means that your IP subnets should generally align with your VLAN structure.
How VLANs and Subnets Work Together
In conclusion, while VLANs and subnets are distinct in their functions, they work in tandem to create an efficient and secure network infrastructure. VLANs are used to group devices logically within a network, allowing better control over broadcast traffic and enhancing security, while subnets focus on the logical partitioning of an IP network to manage traffic more effectively and ensure efficient IP address usage.
Together, VLANs and subnets help create a scalable, resilient, and well-structured network, where VLANs handle traffic segmentation at the data link layer and subnets manage routing at the network layer. By aligning VLANs with subnets, businesses can optimise their network performance, security, and management.
If you would like to know more about how to improve your network design, speak to our team. We are experts in WiFi network solutions and have years of experience in network segmentation and traffic management.
