Difference Between VLAN and VSAN

A Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) is a logical grouping of devices that are connected in a network. VLAN improves the security, performance, management, and configuration of the network. The configuration of VLAN depends on the parameters such as port, protocol, MAC address, and subnet. 

Benefits of VLAN

• Improved Security: VLANs provide network security by logically separating the incoming and outgoing network traffic.
• Network Performance:  VLANs improve the network performance by optimizing the network traffic, and controlling the flow of data accordingly.
• Scalability: VLANs can make it easy to scale their network and accordingly add new users, devices, and applications without any more physical configurations.
• Simplified Network Management: VLANs can simplify the management of networks by grouping the devices and users logically and as a result making it easy for network management.

Applications of VLAN 

• VoIP Networks: VLAN is used in VoIP networks for prioritizing voice traffic and segregating them from data traffic. 
• Video Conferencing:  VLAN can be used for video conferencing that creates a dedicated network segmentation and provides a reliable and smooth video conference experience.
• Voice and Video traffic: VLANs can be used to manage voice and video traffic separately and then prioritize them accordingly to the need and rules described

A Virtual Storage Area Network (VSAN) is defined as a software storage technology that provides logical storage networks within a physical store network. Several benefits are bundled with the VSAN technology, this includes Optimised Security and Performance. VSAN also provides a grouping of physical resources like disks and switches in logical form, so they can be easily managed separately. 

Benefits of VSAN 

• Scalability: According to the need more devices can be connected within the network, therefore VSAN provides the benefit of scalability.
• Reduced Costs: VSAN reduces the costs for hardware that are required for external data storage. 
• Data Security: VSAN provides data security from data loss due to hardware or software failure. 

Applications of VSAN

• Database Applications: VSAN is used for database applications such as SQL, and Oracle to provide reliable storage.
• Backup and Disaster Recovery: VSAN is used in backup and disaster recovery solutions for providing data backup.
• Cloud Computing: VSAN is used in cloud computing to provide efficient and scalable storage resources.

Difference between VLAN and VSAN

Parameters	VLAN	VSAN
Stands For	VLAN stands for Virtual Local Area Network.	VSAN stands for Virtual Storage Area Network.
Definition	VLAN is defined as a logical partitioning of a physical network into multiple networks that are virtual and each of them has its own broadcast domain.	VSAN has defined as a logical partitioning of a physical storage area network into multiple virtual storage area networks where each can set its own storage resources and policies.
Purpose	VLAN is used to segment a network and improve its performance, management, and security.	VSAN is used to improve management, scalability, and storage efficiency.
Function	The devices that are in the same physical network are divided into logical groups by VLAN.	VSAN separates the storage devices into different logical storage groups and can set its own policies.
Communication	The devices that are connected in the same virtual group can communicate with each other.	All the devices in the same VSAN can access the storage resources and policies.
Configurations	VLANs are being configured on routers or network switches.	VSANs are being configured on storage areas or SAN switches.
Number	Can support up to 4096 VLANs on a single switch.	Can support up to 239 VSANs on a single switch.
Benefits	VLAN has benefits such as improved network security and performance, reduced network congestion, and provides simplified network management.	VSAN has benefits such as improved storage efficiency, better resource management, flexibility, and scalability.
Network Topology	VLANs can be used in star, ring, and mesh network topologies.	VSANs can be used in SAN topologies such as Fibre Channel(FC), and Internet Small Computer System Interface(iSCSI).

Conclusion 

VLAN and VSAN can be used in many applications to increase security, performance, and management. It provides the feature of logically grouping the devices connected in a network and providing logical storage that reduces the cost of physical storage.