What is a key benefit of using VLANs in networking?

The key benefit of using VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) in networking is improved security and traffic management. VLANs allow network administrators to segment a physical network into different logical networks, which can help in isolating sensitive data traffic from standard user traffic. This segregation enhances security by restricting access to specific segments of the network based on user roles or permissions, thereby reducing the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Additionally, VLANs improve traffic management by reducing broadcast domains, which in turn minimizes unnecessary traffic on the network. This can lead to better overall performance and more efficient use of network resources, as each VLAN can be configured with specific security policies and traffic handling rules tailored to the needs of that segment. Thus, the use of VLANs fosters both a more secure environment and a more manageable network structure.