Networking Fundamentals

Virtual LANs

While switches allowed us to make our networks more efficient through segmentation, they can allow us to segment the network down even further through the use of VLANs. Before we discuss the use of VLANs, I would like to introduce you to the idea of broadcast domains so that you have a better understanding of one of the benefits of implementing VLANs.

When a device sends out a broadcast transmission, it is sent to every device on the local network. All of the devices receiving that broadcast transmission are said to be on the same broadcast domain. Routers aren't designed to forward broadcast transmissions, thereby limiting them to your local network. You may be thinking that broadcasts don't happen that frequently, but if ...