What are the two purposes for using a VLAN in a network? (Choose two)

A Virtual LAN (VLAN) is a logical construct on a switch used to create separate Layer 2 domains. The two primary purposes are network segmentation and the creation of distinct broadcast domains. By assigning switch ports to different VLANs, a single physical switch can be partitioned into multiple logical switches. Each VLAN functions as an independent broadcast domain, meaning that broadcast frames sent by a device in one VLAN are only forwarded to other devices within that same VLAN. This segmentation improves security by isolating traffic and enhances network performance by limiting the scope of broadcast traffic.

A. Routing tables are created and managed by Layer 3 devices like routers or multilayer switches, not by Layer 2 VLANs.

B. Switches create and maintain a MAC address table for frame forwarding, but the purpose of a VLAN is to logically group ports, not to create a collection of MACs.

C. While VLANs are commonly used to segregate virtual machine (VM) traffic, this is a specific application of segmentation, not a fundamental purpose of the technology itself.

1. Odom, W. (2019). CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide, Volume 1. Cisco Press. Chapter 11, "Implementing Ethernet Virtual LANs," section "Virtual LAN Concepts," states, "VLANs create smaller broadcast domains... VLANs also allow you to create more flexible designs that group users... instead of by physical location. This is a form of network segmentation."

2. Cisco. (2023). VLANs Configuration Guide, Cisco IOS XE Amsterdam 17.3.x (Catalyst 9300 Switches). In the "Information About VLANs" section, it is stated, "A VLAN is a group of devices on one or more LANs that are configured to communicate as if they were attached to the same wire... VLANs are considered a logical grouping of network users by function... VLANs are separate broadcast domains."

3. Kurose, J. F., & Ross, K. W. (2021). Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach (8th ed.). Pearson. In Chapter 6, Section 6.4.3, "Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs)," the text explains that VLANs allow a single physical LAN infrastructure to be partitioned into multiple virtual LANs, where each VLAN constitutes a broadcast domain.