Which of the following describes a VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network)?

A VLAN, or Virtual Local Area Network, is a technology that partitions a Layer 2 network into distinct segments. This means that multiple VLANs can exist on the same physical network infrastructure while keeping the traffic of each VLAN isolated from one another. This segmentation allows for improved security, as devices within the same VLAN can communicate freely, but those in different VLANs cannot communicate directly unless proper routing is established.

The concept behind VLANs is to create separate broadcast domains within a single switch or across multiple switches, facilitating better traffic management and enhanced security. By controlling the broadcast traffic and grouping devices logically rather than physically, organizations can effectively reduce unnecessary traffic and limit exposure to potential network attacks.

When looking at why the other options are not valid in the context of VLANs: unrestricted access across all devices suggests a flat network with no segmentation, which is contrary to the purpose of a VLAN. As for the idea that a VLAN operates strictly on Layer 3, that is a misunderstanding; VLANs function primarily on Layer 2, where they manage MAC addresses for local traffic segmentation. Lastly, defining a VLAN as a type of firewall misrepresents its function, as a firewall’s role is to control traffic based on predefined security rules, whereas a VLAN focuses on