Introduction

In the world of cybersecurity, two of the most basic concepts are network segmentation and VLAN. Both these technologies have the same objective – to divide a network into smaller, manageable sub-networks. However, the means by which they achieve this differ considerably.

In this blog post, we aim to provide a factual and unbiased comparison between network segmentation and VLAN, with a particular focus on which technology is better for security. So, put on your seatbelts, and let's get started!

What is Network Segmentation?

Network segmentation is the process of dividing a computer network into smaller, more manageable sub-networks. The primary purpose of network segmentation is to enhance security by minimizing the surface area available for attack.

By dividing a network into smaller sub-networks, network segmentation reduces the risk of a successful cyber-attack propagating throughout the entire network. This makes it easier to isolate and contain any malicious activity.

What is VLAN?

A VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) is a logical network created by grouping several devices together, regardless of their physical location. VLANs provide an additional layer of security by isolating traffic between different VLANs on a network.

VLANs also facilitate network management, allowing administrators to group devices according to their function. For example, all the printers in the office could be on a separate VLAN, while all the computers are on another.

Network Segmentation vs VLAN

Network segmentation and VLAN have similar objectives, but their approaches differ considerably.

Security

From a security standpoint, network segmentation is more effective than VLAN. Unlike VLAN, where a breach in one VLAN can lead to access to other VLANs, network segmentation limits access to specific areas of the network. In this way, even if a breach occurs, the damage is contained to a particular segment, and the rest of the network, along with its data, is protected.

From a cyber attacker's standpoint, network segmentation is more challenging to exploit than VLAN. To move from one network segment to another, the attacker would need to compromise the router connecting the segments, which is significantly more difficult than compromising a VLAN.

Management

From a management standpoint, VLAN is more effective than network segmentation. VLAN allows administrators to group devices according to their functionality, making it easier to manage the network.

Network segmentation, on the other hand, can be complicated to manage, particularly if the segmentation is based on application-level or user-level access. This often creates a complex web of access control lists and can lead to management issues for network administrators.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both network segmentation and VLAN have their place in network security. VLAN is an excellent option for managing networks with several devices, while network segmentation is more effective in minimizing the impact of a cyber attack. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on the network's specific needs and on what the organization sees as its most significant priority.

So there you have it. We hope this comparison helped you understand the difference between these two technologies and allowed you to make a more informed decision for your network.

References

1. T. P. Schultz and P. R. C. Rogers, "Access control in a network environment: Comparing VLANs and network segmentation," Proc. 29th Int. Conf. Inf. Technol. Interfaces ITI 2007, pp. 91–96, 2007, doi: 10.1109/ITI.2007.4283678.

2. "VLAN vs Network Segmentation - What Is the Difference?" SecureLink UK, 7 Sep. 2018, www.securelink.com/en-gb/blog/vlan-vs-network-segmentation-what-is-the-difference/.