VLAN And SVI, What Is The Difference

VLANs and SVIs play a vital role in modern network architecture for any enterprise and IT environment. Although both are integral parts of traffic management and network segmentation, they have different functions, applications, and advantages. In this article, I will take you to explore virtual lan and SVI in-depth and understand them in detail.

Every Thing You Should About VLAN

Virtual local area networks are network segmentation technology that divides a physical LAN into multiple virtual networks through logical segmentation technology, regardless of the physical location of users and devices. VLANs can not only improve network security by limiting network access, such as dividing different parts of a company into separate virtual networks. By using VLAN switches, the impact of broadcast traffic on network performance can also be reduced and network management can be simplified. It operates through the data link layer (Layer 2).

Benefits of VLAN

Improve network security: Since virtual LANs can divide the network into multiple virtual networks, this allows companies to isolate sensitive information and other data to protect sensitive information from being leaked.

Optimize network performance: VLAN can divide a large broadcast domain into multiple small broadcast domains so that its impact on network performance is reduced when broadcast traffic is propagated.

Simplify network management: Virtual LAN can easily adjust the network topology without physically changing the connection. Network administrators can easily create, modify or delete VLANs.

Virtual local area network is similar to VXLAN, both are network virtualization technologies used to separate and manage network traffic.

What is SVI

SVI is an important logical interface of a Layer 3 switch. Its function is to provide Layer 3 functions for a specific virtual local area network. SVI provides a default gateway for each virtual LAN, allowing traffic to be routed between VLANs. In addition, SVI also supports bridging and routing protocols and provides Layer 3 IP connectivity to switches. It is different from the physical interface of the router. Using SVI allows multiple VLANs to share the same physical interface on the switch, and each virtual LAN has its own logical interface and broadcast domain.

Benefits of SVI

Improve network resource utilization: SVI supports routing between VLANs on a single device and can share the same physical interface, reducing bottlenecks in the network.

Enhanced security: SVI can be used in conjunction with security policies such as ACL, VLAN access control, and inter-VLAN firewall to provide more refined traffic control and security protection.

Simplify the network: SVI allows the switch to handle layer 2 switching and layer 3 routing at the same time, reducing the number of network devices and optimizing the network structure.

VLAN VS SVI: What is The Difference

The main difference between VLAN and SVI is that SVI is a virtual interface that provides Layer 3 functions for a virtual local area network, while virtual LAN is a logical network segment that provides Layer 2 functions for devices. SVI is virtual and has no physical ports, while VLAN can span multiple physical ports on various switches. SVI is suitable for virtual LAN binding of Layer 2 switches. Its sub-interface is part of the Layer 3 interface and does not participate in Layer 2 switching. Each VLAN can only be mapped to one SVI. The following chart shows their specific differences:

Application of VLAN And SVI

VLAN

In public network environments such as airports and shopping malls, free WIFI services are usually provided to customers. However, the network provided is connected to the internal network. At this time, multiple separate isolated virtual networks can be created by using VLAN to provide isolated network access for guests. By using QSFPTEK's S5300 series virtual LAN switches, you can easily ensure the security of sensitive data while providing free Wi-Fi to customers, and config VLAN becomes simple.

SVI

For example, in corporate networks, due to work requirements and the protection of sensitive information within departments, different departments are often assigned to different VLANs to ensure network security and data isolation. At this time, if the sales department needs to communicate with the technical department, it must be achieved through someone other than the virtual local area network. After configuring SVI, it creates a virtual Layer 3 interface for each virtual LAN. Through these interfaces, the switch can route data packets between different VLANs, thereby solving the problem of cross-department communication.

Conclusion

VLAN and SVI are two integral parts of network management. They contribute to network security, simplify network management, and simplify network architecture. By using SVI and virtual LAN, sensitive internal data can be protected and both Layer 2 and Layer 3 functions can be implemented through the switch. If you have any questions about the virtual local area network and SVI, please feel free to please feel free to contact QSFPTEK's CCIE/HCIE engineers at support@qsfptek.com. Our engineers will provide you with comprehensive support.