Logical Network Topologies
1. Subnetting
Subnetting is a logical network topology technique that involves dividing a larger network into smaller, more manageable subnetworks or subnets. This is achieved by borrowing bits from the host portion of an IP address to create a subnet mask.
Key Features:
- Improves network performance by reducing broadcast traffic.
- Enhances security by isolating different parts of the network.
- Facilitates easier management and troubleshooting.
Example: Consider a company with an IP address range of 192.168.1.0/24. By subnetting this into two subnets (192.168.1.0/25 and 192.168.1.128/25), the company can separate its departments into different subnets, reducing unnecessary traffic and enhancing security.
2. VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network)
A VLAN is a logical network topology that segments a physical network into multiple virtual networks. Devices within a VLAN can communicate as if they are on the same local network, even if they are physically located on different segments.
Key Features:
- Enhances security by isolating traffic between VLANs.
- Improves performance by reducing unnecessary broadcast traffic.
- Facilitates easier management and scalability.
Example: A school network might use VLANs to separate student devices (VLAN 10) from teacher devices (VLAN 20). This ensures that student traffic does not interfere with teacher traffic, enhancing both security and performance.