VLAN
VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) is a networking concept that logically segments a physical network into multiple isolated broadcast domains, allowing devices to be grouped together based on function, department, or application regardless of their physical location. It enhances network security, reduces broadcast traffic, and simplifies network management by enabling administrators to configure and control network segments without physical rewiring.
Developers should learn VLANs when working on network-dependent applications, cloud infrastructure, or DevOps roles to optimize network performance and security in enterprise environments. It's crucial for scenarios like isolating development, testing, and production environments, implementing microservices architectures with separate network segments, or managing multi-tenant systems to prevent unauthorized access and reduce congestion.