It/242 Week 4

Implementing a VLAN or Virtual Local Area Network does not have just one benefit to the organization implementing the network, VLAN’s, when implemented correctly, can have many different benefits for an organization. VLAN is logically grouping two or more nodes which are not necessarily on the same physical segment, but which share the same IP network number. In other words, computers can be logically segmented by functions, project teams, or applications without regard to the physical location of users. When businesses implement a VLAN correctly, administration costs associated with moves, adds, and changes are greatly reduced, better network security, and easier to leverage existing investments and their network is more flexible and scalable segmentation.

One of the key benefits VLAN’s bring to businesses is having the ability to broadcast different domains to avoid bandwidth consumption. By logically splitting a network into broadcast domains, these different segments can be divided into different groups; every department will have its own segment drastically reducing bandwidth consumption. Another benefit of breaking a network up logically into different segments is improved security. Access to individual segments can be restricted by creating group permissions, which ensure that departments are not only able to access all the information they need, but also ensure that people are not accessing information they should not be accessing.

Based upon the need for being able to expand with ease and low costs, a port assigned VLAN membership will, in my opinion, be the best option. The port assigned protocol allows for administrators to easily change configurations. A layer 3 switch is most definitely the better option for implementing a VLAN network. A layer 2 switch could satisfy most of the needs required, but does not provide as efficient control of the network. To enable more cost effective expansion in the future, IEEE 802.1Q trunking protocol...