Difference between VLAN and subnet
VLAN vs Subnet:
Speaking of connecting larger organizations and institutions via networking, several types of procedures should be considered. A few more frequently used network planning would include Local Area network, Virtual Local Area Network, and Subnetwok. From that, this article focuses on discussing what VLAN and subnet mean and their differences. To begin with what VLAN and subnetting provide, it can be noted that subnetting and implementation of VLANs provide administrators flexibility when trying to come up with networks on medium to very large scales. Essentially, VLANs and subnets are similar in the purpose of their development. Yet, although VLAN and subnetting involve several similarities in several areas, they are two different phenomena at a deeper level.
What is VLAN?
VLAN can be noted as a logical group of networks created in spite of their physical location which helps to create smaller broadcast domains. VLAN is the acronymic term for Virtual Local Area Network. It is generally referred to as virtual LAN, or simply VLAN. VLAN, which is a phenomena of partitioning a physical network of computers different broadcast domains are created. It is usually achieved on switch or router level. Further, it is acknowledged that VLAN was originally developed as a solution to using routers to contain broadcast traffic. VLAN allows domains to be defined without routers. Bridging software is used instead to define which workstations are to be included in the broadcast domain. Routers would only have to be used to communicate between two LANs. Additionally, VLAN allows network managers to logically segment a LAN into different broadcast domains. Further, speaking of what VLAN provides, VLAN provides broadcast filtering, security address, summarization, and traffic flow management. In addition, it reduces the workload for Spanning Tree Protocol by limiting a VLAN to a single access switch. Most common VLAN protocols are dot1q and isl, and they are all used for inter VLAN communication. Moreover, there are two methods of assigning a VLAN: static VLAN and dynamic VLAN. Static VLANs are port based and dynamic VLANs are created using software. The VLAN standard is acknowledged as IEEE 802.1 Q.
What is subnet?
Subnet which is the abridged term for ‘subnetwork’ is a noticeably distinctive part of an organization’s network. In general, a subnet may be referred to all the computers and machines located at one place, for instance in one building. Speaking of what subnet allows, having an organization’s network separated in to subnets allows the users to be connected to the internet with a single shared network address. Without a subnet, an organization has to access the internet via multiple connections as one for each of its physically separate subnetworks. That would require an unnecessary use of the limited number of networks the internet has to assign. Moreover, the IP address generally contains three parts: the network number, the subnet number, and the machine number. Thus an organization can host part of the address to identify a specific subnet. In this way, a subnet can also be defined as a group of IP addresses. Any address can reach any address without using any routine device if they belong to the subnet. In any case where the address you want to load is outside your subnet, and then you have to go through a router just like in VLAN.
What is the difference between subnet and VLAN?
Although there are several confusing features between the two, it has to be kept in mind that VLAN and subnet are distinctively different. And, the dissimilarities could be brought out as follows. VLAN allows isolating smaller subnet on a single device. With a relatively smaller subnet comes fewer devices and this makes less broadcast traffic. Yet, this increases traffic volume between networks concerned which will eventually lead to higher CPU usage. The relationships exist between VLANs and subnets are generally one to one. That is to say, one subnet can be usually assigned to one VLAN. However, attempting to assign one subnet for a VLAN would not be a great network design planning. Further, while VLANs can be referred to as broadcasting domains, subnets may be referred to as IP subnets. In addition, it is VLANs that are useful in creating IP subnets which can be used in a geographically wide area like a university connecting faculties and departments. Then, although many people would think that subnetting is more secure, it is generally acknowledged that VLAN is more efficient. In conclusion, it has to be noted that while VLAN is largely software based, subnet in generally hardware based.
Summary
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Tags: broadcast, design, domain, feature, filtering, hardware, IP, network, security, software
