VLANs Segment Broadcast Domains | Generated by AI
Answer for Question 1: B) Segment Layer 2 broadcast domains
Explanation:
The primary purpose of VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) in a switched network is to logically separate a single physical switch into multiple independent broadcast domains at Layer 2.
- Without VLANs, all ports on a switch belong to the same broadcast domain (broadcasts from one device reach every other device on the same switch/Layer 2 network).
- By creating VLANs, you confine Layer 2 broadcast traffic (ARP requests, etc.) to only the ports that belong to that specific VLAN, reducing unnecessary traffic, improving performance, and enhancing security.
Why the other options are incorrect:
- A) Increase broadcast domain size → Wrong. VLANs actually decrease the effective size of each broadcast domain.
- C) Replace the need for routers → Wrong. VLANs are Layer 2 constructs. Communication between different VLANs still requires a Layer 3 device (router or Layer 3 switch) for inter-VLAN routing.
- D) Provide Layer 3 encryption → Wrong. VLANs have nothing to do with encryption (that’s handled by protocols like IPsec, SSL/TLS, etc.).
So the correct and main purpose is B.
Let me know if you have Question 2 ready!