A virtual local area network (VLAN) is the network segmentation method where administrators can divide one large network into smaller sections. This differs from physical segmentation, as it doesn’t require any hardware like routers, switches, and firewalls. Network resources of the organization can be virtually divided and monitored, which helps simplify management.
Modern organizations are in need of software solutions for enhancing their network services management, and VLAN is essential when it comes to virtual network segmentation. This way, organizations can separate different network departments from intersecting and allocate IP resources specifically.
How does VLAN work?
A VLAN works by segmenting a large network consisting of multiple IP addresses and MAC addresses of clients into smaller departments, each configured with its own security policies and settings. Clients are identified based on their device’s MAC address, and after matching with the policies, they get classified in a specific department for IP allocation.
Network administrators can automate IP allocation with a VLAN for specific clients of selected departments. Clients of one network segment cannot access the IP resource of another network segment. This helps create boundaries between clients based on the level of access and secure IP addresses of different departments.
Why are VLAN important?
A VLAN enhances your organization’s network infrastructure and benefits administration in several ways. Here are the following ways:
Improved network security
A VLAN’s major benefit is the isolation of clients and IP resources of different departments into separate segments. This helps simplify management for network infrastructure, detect network issues, and troubleshoot them to mitigate network disruptions.
IP resource optimization
IP address allocation can be effectively implemented with the help of VLAN and VLAN management, which helps in managing IP addresses. Separating subnets into different segments and classifying clients based on their device MAC address helps in specific IP assigning. This helps in preventing IP exhaustion and network delays.
Effective traffic management
VLAN helps network administrators implement security policies and configuration to subnets based on their usage, which helps in narrowing down traffic to specific subnets, allocating IP resources to specific clients in the VLAN, and preventing external users from accessing them.
Preventing network errors
A VLAN helps prevent network issues like IP address conflicts, access to unauthorized devices, IP address unavailability, and network delays through segmented management and monitoring of IP utilization and the clients using it. This enhances the network service and stability of the network infrastructure.
Simplify network management using a VLAN and improve your network service
ManageEngine DDI Central provides a VLAN where network administrators can segment and manage their large network into smaller sections for effective IP utilization and optimization. VLAN help improve the network service and prevent network disruptions for the clients.
Try a free, 30-day trial now to explore how VLAN is implemented in DDI Central!
