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VLAN vs LAN

VLAN and LAN are two terms used frequently in the networking field. LAN is
abbreviated as Local Area Network is a computer network to which a large
number of computers and other peripheral devices are connected within a
geographical area. VLAN is an implementation of a private subset of a LAN in which
the computers interact with each other as if they are connected to the same
broadcast domain irrespective of their physical locations.
The attributes of both LAN and VLAN are the same; however, the end stations are
always combined together regardless of the location. The VLAN is used to create
multiple broadcast domains in a switch. This can be explained with a simple
illustration. Say, for instance, there is one 48-port layer 2 switch. If two separate
VLANs are created on ports 1 to 24 and 25 to 48, a single 48-port layer 2 switch can
be made to act like two different switches. This is one of the biggest advantages of
using VLAN as you dont have to use two different switches for different networks.
Different VLANs can be created for each segment using just one big switch. Suppose
in a company users working from different floors of the same building can be
connected to the same LAN virtually.
The VLANs can help to minimize traffic when compared to traditional LANs. For
instance, if the broadcast traffic is meant for ten users, they can be placed on ten
different VLANs which will in turn reduce the traffic. The use of VLANs over
traditional LANs can bring down the cost as the VLANs eliminate the need for
expensive routers.
In LANs, the routers process the incoming traffic. With the increasing traffic volume,
latency gets generated which in turn results in poor performance. With VLANs, the
need for routers is reduced as VLANs can create broadcast domains through
switches instead of routers.
LANs require physical administration as the location of the user changes, the need
for recabling, addressing the new station, reconfiguration of routers and hubs arises.
The mobility of the users in a network results in network costs. Whereas if a user is
moved within a VLAN, the administrative work can be eliminated as there is no need
for router reconfiguration.
Data broadcast on a VLAN is safe when compared to traditional LANs as sensitive
data can be accessed only the users who are on a VLAN.
Summary:
1. VLAN delivers better performance when compared to traditional LANs.
2. VLAN requires less network administration work when compared to LANs.

3. VLAN helps to reduce costs by eliminating the need for expensive routers unlike
LANs.
4. Data transmission on VLAN is safe when compared to traditional LANs.
5. VLANs can help reduce traffic as it reduces the latency and creates broadcast
domains through switches rather than routers unlike in traditional LANs.
Read more: Difference Between VLAN and LAN | Difference Between | VLAN vs LAN
http://www.differencebetween.net/technology/internet/difference-between-vlan-andlan/#ixzz3KROpsLhz

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