Your network is only as strong as the technology and infrastructure behind it. A virtual local area network or VLAN router may be the answer to optimize traffic flow and security.
No matter the size of the business, incorporating VLAN routing in your network has many advantages. These benefits can result in scalability and savings. It makes sense from a business perspective to make the switch.
We'll answer all these questions in this article.
- But what is a VLAN router, exactly?
- How does it work?
- And how can it benefit your business?
What's the Function of VLAN Routers?
A VLAN is a network of computers and devices that behave like a LAN but may not necessarily make up a single LAN. You can use VLAN routing to allow more than one physical port to reside on the same subnet, to span a VLAN over multiple physical networks, or provide additional segmentation or security. A port can be either a VLAN or a router port, but not both.
Unlike a LAN, VLAN does not map devices based on geographical location but often by use, application, or department. This allows departments within the organization to use the network as if they are part of a single LAN while maintaining their unique segment.
A VLAN router routes the traffic between VLANs. The traffic must pass through the router that directs it based on the routing tables with IP addresses. The primary advantage of VLAN is segmenting the network. Routers play a pivotal part in enabling that segmentation.
With a VLAN, there are different logical switch ports. While switches facilitate communication within a VLAN, routers create communication between two
- Default router with a physical interface
- Router with a sub-interface within every VLAN
- Layer 3 Switch
Why Using a VLAN Router in Business is Beneficial
Many businesses rely on networks for communication and resource sharing. As the connectivity needs grow, LAN can get too complicated. VLAN helps simplify the use of LAN within the organization without compromising security. VLAN routers are an essential component of this network architecture. Here's why you should consider using a VLAN with a router:
Increases Network Security
The concept of VLAN is to increase network security. In LANs, there aren't any routers. As a result, the broadcast is open to all the connected devices. Therefore, a broadcast goes to all the connected devices.
You can create a private network and boundaries with a VLAN router. The router directs communication between networks, which ensures that only the intended party gets the broadcast.
With router-based security, you can effectively restrict access to a particular VLAN. Similarly, you can allow access with an access mode when necessary.
Reduces Collisions Using Network Switches
Another notable drawback of LANs is collisions. A VLAN router can dramatically reduce collision incidence with better routing functions.
Collisions occur when two nodes send data packets simultaneously through a hub, and the data packet isn't transmitted correctly. As a result, there can be delays in communication and a waste of network resources. Users may have to wait for the collision to resolve through transfer before sending more packets.
VLAN segmentation transfers data packets within a segment through smart switches and to other segments via the router. These switches do not forward collisions but send packets to every VLAN device. That way, collisions are contained within the segment and don't impact the other VLANs or the entire network.
Decreases Admin Oversight of Network Devices
With the help of VLAN routing in private networks, network administrators can decrease the time and resources needed for configuration and security. They can automatically limit access to specific groups, for example, departments, by segmenting the network into different isolated VLANs.
Moreover, even if a user moves their workstation, the administrator does not need to reconfigure the whole network.
Network scalability also becomes easy depending on the router interface, as administrators can quickly add more devices.
In other words, VLAN routers can increase the efficiency of network traffic management and reduce the need for reconfigurations, saving administrators considerable time.
Allows Group Collaboration on Enterprise Networks
VLAN became a simple and efficient solution for growing enterprise networks that used different LANs for different departments or locations. With VLAN, enterprise networks become much more flexible, encouraging easy collaboration within and with other departments.
For instance, with the help of VLAN routing, the network design can be configured and changed when necessary. More importantly, VLANs can be configured without physical connection restrictions. Devices don't need to be connected to the same hardware or be close (via IP address).
With VLAN routers, admins can allow users who frequently collaborate to share a VLAN, even on different floors or locations.
Many companies also have remote employees not on the company's wireless network directly, so VLAN routers can also help establish network connections over the internet.
Increases Routing Protocol for Cost Effectiveness
VLANs can be cost-effective by preventing unnecessary CPU usage, especially when using static routes that don't require the calculation of the route.
Similarly, VLAN routers exclusively handle communication between different segments (VLANs), freeing up switches to transmit data packets within their VLAN. As a result, the network, as a whole, can handle more data load without necessarily needing more resources.
When VLAN routers and switches work together, there are fewer bottlenecks, and traffic flows more freely, creating less network latency.
Upgrade Your Network Equipment With a VLAN Business Router
Whether your business has a LAN or a Wide Area Network (WAN), creating a VLAN with a router can maximize traffic flow with fewer bottlenecks and collisions. You can segment your network into smaller networks using a VLAN router for better security, access control, and collaboration.
Are you considering upgrading your network with a VLAN router? Consider Novotech. You can choose from a wide range of cellular routers that can be particularly useful for businesses that need to combine local networks and the internet.