What is the primary function of a Virtual LAN (VLAN)?

The primary function of a Virtual LAN (VLAN) is to segment networks within a switch. VLANs allow network administrators to create logically separated networks that can reside on the same physical switch hardware. This segmentation can help improve the organization and management of network resources, enhancing security and reducing broadcast traffic. By creating VLANs, devices that are part of the same VLAN can communicate with each other as if they are on a separate physical network, even if they are connected to the same switch or physical infrastructure. This logical segmentation is particularly useful in larger networks where different departments or functions need to maintain distinct communication pathways while sharing the same physical hardware, thereby avoiding unnecessary network congestion and improving overall performance.