Network Segmentation / Virtualization

Network segmentation and virtualization technologies logically divide networks to enhance security, performance, and administrative control across enterprise and cloud infrastructures.

Technology

Description

Use Case

VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network)

Logical segmentation of a Layer 2 network into separate broadcast domains. Enhances security and isolates traffic between devices.

Isolating departments (e.g., HR, Finance), reducing broadcast traffic.

VPC (Virtual Private Cloud)

Virtual network in cloud environments that mimics traditional networking. Supports routing, security groups, subnets, and gateways.

Deploying secure cloud applications with private subnets.

IEEE Standard: IEEE 802.1Q

Main Features:

  • Segments a physical network into multiple logical networks

  • Reduces broadcast domain size

  • Each VLAN acts like a separate Layer 2 network

  • Traffic tagging allows VLANs across trunk links

  • VLANs help enforce policy and isolate traffic

Use Cases:

  • Isolating sensitive traffic (e.g., finance vs. guest Wi-Fi)

  • Improving network performance and organization

  • Simplifying security enforcement and policy application

Alternative Technologies:

  • VXLAN – Extends VLANs over Layer 3 networks

  • PVLAN – Private VLANs for micro-segmentation

  • SDN – Virtual segmentation using software-defined networking

Let us learn more about VLANs:

Jump to “VLAN”

Used By: AWS, GCP, Azure, Oracle Cloud

Main Features:

  • Virtualized network within cloud provider infrastructure

  • Includes subnets, route tables, firewalls, and NAT gateways

  • Supports public and private IP address ranges

  • Fine-grained control over routing and connectivity

  • Enables secure and isolated cloud workloads

Use Cases:

  • Hosting cloud-native or hybrid applications securely

  • Isolating environments (e.g., dev, test, prod)

  • VPN and Direct Connect for hybrid cloud access

  • Applying firewall and security group policies per subnet

Alternative Technologies:

  • On-premises VLANs and VRFs

  • SDN – Software-defined overlay networks

  • NSX, Azure Virtual Network, GCP VPC Peering

Let us learn more about VPCs:

Jump to “VPC”