VLAN: Definition, Functions and How it Works

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 Along with the development of technology, network and networking systems are also not spared from updating functions.  One of the information that you need to know about is a VLAN or Virtual Local Area network.

 The presence of a VLAN itself is able to make us able to manage and control data traffic, then react more quickly when relocation is needed.

 When compared to LAN, this virtual version of the network is automatically able to provide high flexibility to support the adaptation and change process because the administration has been simplified.

 What is a VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network)?

 VLAN is

 A Virtual Local Area Network or VLAN is a collection of devices on one or more LAN networks and configured by software so that they can communicate with each other as if they were on the same channel.

 VLAN itself is actually a network that is in a Local Area Network (LAN) so that a LAN network can consist of more than one VLAN network.

 In general, Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) network configuration is done by software.

 As a result, this is able to provide an advantage when the device moves, no need to setup the network again.

 VLAN function

 The function of a Virtual Local Area Network or VLAN is to accommodate configurations on a physical computer network into several broadcast domains.

 Even though they have different broadcast domains, the paths generated by those VLANs still pass through the same connecting devices.  Usually configured with mikrotik or cisco.

 VLAN technology also allows multiple virtual LANs to coexist in a physical LAN network.

 The method itself usually uses a switch instead of a router as in a regular LAN configuration.

 VLAN benefits

 The following are some of the benefits of VLANs that you can get, from these benefits it is hoped that you can consider whether you want to use VLANs or continue to use traditional LAN networks.

 1.Added Security

 LAN or Local Area Network is a private network that cannot be accessed by any user.

 In terms of security, LAN is certainly very maximum because every access must get permission or permission from the network administrator.

 The concept of VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) is almost the same as a conventional LAN, except that the network used is now wireless so it can be accessed from anywhere.

 The security factor itself becomes very important for a business or company because there are various sensitive data that must be guarded.

 VLANs can be useful for limiting access to sensitive data, thereby reducing the potential for misuse of access by irresponsible people.

 2.Cost Efficiency

 As we know, to use a LAN requires quite a lot of wired networks so that it requires a fairly large installation fee.

 With a VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) you will still get the facilities and features of a LAN without having to bother setting up cables.

 This is certainly very effective and efficient because the company can save on the cost of buying a LAN cable when there is a new computer that wants to be connected.

 In addition, VLAN network systems also do not use routers which require more processing, but use switches which are much easier to use.

 3.No Need to Reset Computer Network

 In order to stay connected to the LAN network, every computer that is moved must be reset.  This of course takes a lot of time because it has to be done from scratch.

 Well, by utilizing a VLAN network you can move computers anytime and anywhere without having to reset the LAN network.

 The reason is, the computer that is moved will remain connected to the VLAN network.

 4. Improved Better Performance

 From a performance perspective, VLANs can divide a flat layer 2 network into multiple logical workgroups to reduce the traffic load on the network.

 It aims to separate between non-essential networks and important networks so that their performance is more optimal.

 5.Easy Administration

 The next benefit of VLANs is the simplification of the administrative process.  With the VLAN network, a server computer does not need to come directly to the server computer area to enter the network.

 All computers can be connected and reach servers from other places, while the presence of server computers makes it easier for administrators to make arrangements and control the network to make it more secure.

 VLAN Types

 Based on their function, VLANs are divided into several types.  Here's a full explanation.

 1.Default VLAN

 The default VLAN is the name for the configuration from the first time the switch is turned on.  This type of VLAN is still standard with all available switch ports connected in basic functionality.

 2.VLAN data

 This type of VLAN has the main function of managing data traffic that occurs in a VLAN network.

 Also read: Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), its Functions and Advantages

 3.VLAN Voice

 Broadly speaking, Voice VLAN is a network that supports VoIP services and has been specifically designed to support voice-based communication needs.

 4.VLAN Management

 As the name implies, this type of VLAN is a local area network virtual network system that is configured for switch management needs.

 5.Native VLAN

 The native VLAN is the network VLAN that is returned to the port if it is not tagged or not in the trunk.

 How VLANs Work

 In general, the way VLANs work is to connect all computer devices in more than one Local Area Network.

 A VLAN network provides data access to all client computers that are connected to the switch and are assigned the same ID.

 A VLAN server essentially creates its own broadcast domain, separating the physical network into logical networks.

 On paper, VLAN communication traffic is managed by the server, then the switch ensures that the data goes and is accessed to the next process like a typical LAN.

 Conclusion

 That's an explanation of what a VLAN is complete with its benefits and how it works.

 VLAN is a network technology that can be used to optimize connections between corporate computer networks.

 There are many advantages and benefits of VLANs that can be obtained so it is very suitable for those of you who want to optimize networking in a growing company.

 Apart from that, in addition to using a LAN or VLAN, during a pandemic like now you can also use a VPN as a service to secure the network.

 VPN or Virtual Private Network serves to encrypt the internet network when accessing sensitive company data remotely.

 This technology is able to minimize interruptions or interference from irresponsible parties so that your confidential files are maintained.