What is the purpose of VLANs in a networking environment?

VLANs, or Virtual Local Area Networks, are used in a networking environment to segment a network into multiple smaller, isolated networks. This segmentation helps improve network security, manage network traffic more efficiently, and enhance network performance.

By using VLANs, network engineers can logically separate different departments, teams, or functions within an organization, even if they are physically connected to the same network infrastructure. This separation prevents broadcast storms, enhances network security by isolating traffic, and allows for better control and management of network resources.

Overall, the purpose of VLANs in a networking environment is to improve network scalability, security, and performance by dividing a single physical network into multiple virtual networks that operate independently and securely.