In this article we will explain the difference between vlan vs lan and will discuss both in detail.
Difference between vlan vs lan
LAN refers to The term "Local Area Network is a collection of network devices that enable connection between devices. In contrast, VLAN refers to Virtual Local Area Network that is utilized to improve the performance of the LANs (Local Area Networks).
To prevent overloaded and congestion, networks are divided into virtual LANs and workstations are created. The LAN's capacity was previously decreased, which resulted in congestion in the network. So Vlans can be a solution for network congestion.
What is LAN?
"LAN" is a short form for local area networks, which allows multiple computers to be connected in one location or segment of devices. It can comprise at least two computer systems, or thousands of computers and other devices in a large company as they share the same network, but are closed to the outside world. Today, LAN can be described as a single broadcasting area. which means that if one broadcasts to the entire network, everyone else will be able to receive it. Moreover, you can accomplish different other functions like printing sharing, file management, and working group scheduling and it will allow increase the efficiency of work
What is VLAN?
VLANs enable administrators to restrict access to a specific user group by dividing workstations into separate segments of the LAN. If users change their computers they don't have to reconfigure the network or switch VLAN groups.
Difference between LAN and VLAN:
Broadcast and limitation:
The major distinction between the LAN and VLAN is the broadcast domain. LAN works under the signal broadcast domain whereas VLAN is a multi-channel broadcast domain. In local area networks, the Packet is distributed to each device, whereas in a virtual local area network the packet is delivered to specific broadcast domains.
Following are the some key differences between LAN and VLAN:
- LAN means Local Area Network whereas VLAN is a short form of LAN and refers to Virtual Local Area Network.
- The devices used for LAN are Hubs, Routers and switches. Whereas VLAN are created virtually on the Switches.
- The LAN works on differnt speeds like Ethernet (10MBPS), FE (100MBPS), GE (1000 MB/S). On the other hand VLAN supports different technologies like ATM, FDDI, ethernet and infiniband.
- The cost of Local Area Network is high as compared to VLAN.
- The latency is also high in case of Local Area Network as compared to VLAN, which has low.
Pros and Cons of LAN:
Pros:
- Low cost to start and build a network
- Easy configuration
- Easy to extend
CONs
- Security issue
Pros and Cons of VLAN:
Pros
- More efficient performance as compare to LAN
- More speedy transmission of data
- You need to configure VLANs once then less network administration is required
Cons:
- Port constrain
- It is required to use a more advanced device to establish VLAN
FAQs
Is VLAN faster than LAN?
The latency of the LAN is high because a single broadcast domain is utilized and creates the collision. VLAN has low latency. In terms of security, LAN is not as secure as VLAN due to the fact that it limits the transmission of packets to the ports that are not needed by isolating the VLAN users from each other.
What are the types of VLANs?
Following are the major types of VLANs:
- Default VLAN
- Native VLAN
- Data VLAN
- Voice Vlan
- Management VLAN
Does home need a VLAN?
Normally VLANs are created in office networks to manage the network more efficiently. But VLANs are worth creating within a home network to separate devices, increase the security of the network and help make it easier and more organized to manage the home network configuration. They are fairly simple to set up and require only the use of a switch for networks that support VLAN tags.
Conclusion:
VLAN is an extension of LAN in which the capability of a standard LAN is enhanced by partitioning the LAN into a number of broadcast domains. This division logically creates many LANs with the same switch or bridge thus, reducing costs and traffic while increasing performance, efficiency, and security. It also facilitates troubleshooting and managing.
