CREST Practitioner Security Analyst (CPSA) Practice

What are VLANs primarily used for in networking?

1. Switching protocols

2. Logical segmentation of a network

3. Routing between networks

4. Utilizing analog signals

The correct answer is: Logical segmentation of a network

VLANs, or Virtual Local Area Networks, are primarily used for the logical segmentation of a network. This segmentation allows network administrators to create separate networks within the same physical infrastructure, which can improve performance and enhance security. By grouping devices into distinct VLANs, traffic can be isolated, meaning that a broadcast from one VLAN does not affect devices in another VLAN. This isolation also helps in managing network policies, optimizing bandwidth usage, and establishing different sets of security measures for different user groups or departments without requiring changes to the physical layout of the network. The other options do not accurately reflect the primary function of VLANs. For example, switching protocols pertain more to the methods by which data is forwarded in a network and are not specific to VLANs. Routing between networks refers to the process of directing packets between different networks, which involves Layer 3 processes rather than the Layer 2 functionalities that VLANs participate in. Utilizing analog signals is not relevant in the context of VLANs, as they deal with digital data and the logical organization of networks, not analog signal transmission.