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3. Virtual network advantages

A virtual network offers some advantages

virtual network

  • A virtual network is flexible. It is easy to add or remove computers from the VLAN using software. There is no need to add extra cables.
  • It is much easier to install software needed by specific groups of people. For example the finance office need accounting software but the students do not. So the network technican can install that software centrally just onto that one specific virtual network.
  • Because network traffic can be limited to each virtual network there is less overall traffic than if everyone were having to use the whole LAN. This means that data can be sent/received faster and network pefromance if improved. However, for this to happen, a switch must be used rather than a hub.
  • Improved security. If one VLAN is compromised, e.g with a virus, because the others are partitioned they will not be affected.