What is the main purpose of a VLAN in a switched network?

What is the main purpose of a VLAN in a switched network?

• A. Increase overall network throughput by aggregation
• B. Provide end-to-end encryption between devices
• C. Create separate broadcast domains to improve security and reduce traffic
• D. Enable dynamic host configuration

Answer: (C)

A VLAN divides a switched network into separate broadcast domains. This containment means a broadcast sent by one device stays within its own VLAN and doesn’t reach devices in other VLANs, which reduces unnecessary traffic and keeps the network more efficient. It also lets you group devices by function or department and apply security and access controls at the inter‑VLAN router or switch, since communication between VLANs can be controlled. VLANs aren’t about encryption or increasing raw throughput, and they aren’t a mechanism for dynamic host configuration.

A VLAN divides a switched network into separate broadcast domains. This containment means a broadcast sent by one device stays within its own VLAN and doesn’t reach devices in other VLANs, which reduces unnecessary traffic and keeps the network more efficient. It also lets you group devices by function or department and apply security and access controls at the inter‑VLAN router or switch, since communication between VLANs can be controlled. VLANs aren’t about encryption or increasing raw throughput, and they aren’t a mechanism for dynamic host configuration.