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
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Parameters |
VLAN |
VSAN |
|---|---|---|
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Stands For |
VLAN stands for Virtual Local Area Network. |
VSAN stands for Virtual Storage Area Network. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Configurations |
VLANs are being configured on routers or network switches. |
VSANs are being configured on storage areas or SAN switches. |
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Number |
Can support up to 4096 VLANs on a single switch. |
Can support up to 239 VSANs on a single switch. |
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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. |
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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.