The security of a network, whether using VLANs or normal segmentation in a wireless network, depends largely on how the network is configured and managed. However, each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages that can impact overall security.

Let's explore the differences and how each can be safer under certain conditions.

Network VLAN

The VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) They are used to logically segment a physical network into multiple independent virtual networks. This type of segmentation has several advantages in terms of security:

• Traffic Isolation: VLANs can isolate sensitive traffic and reduce the risk of an attacker accessing all areas of the network if they compromise one part of it.
• Enhanced Access Control: Resource access management can be more granular with VLANs. Network administrators can apply specific security policies to each VLAN, controlling which devices can communicate with each other.
• Broadcast Domain Reduction: VLANs limit broadcast domains to the specific VLAN, reducing the risk of attacks that spread via broadcast.

Normal Segmented Network in Wireless

Normal segmentation in wireless networks can refer to the creation of multiple different wireless networks (SSIDs), each with different access and privileges. This can also improve security, but in a different way:

• Multiple SSIDs: Creating multiple SSIDs allows you to assign different access levels to different groups of users (for example, one network for employees and another for guests).
• SSID Based Access Control: Different security and access control policies can be applied for each SSID, which may include stronger encryption and authentication for more sensitive networks.

Security Considerations

• VLAN Hopping Risks: Although VLANs offer great security, they are subject to certain types of attacks, such as “VLAN hopping,” where an attacker can manipulate traffic to access other unauthorized VLANs. This risk can be mitigated with careful configuration and the use of techniques such as secure VLAN tagging.
• Wireless Network Security: Wireless networks, even when segmented by SSID, can be vulnerable to attacks such as traffic capture and Wi-Fi password cracking. Using strong encryption (such as WPA3) and a strong password policy are essential.

Conclusion

Both methods, VLANs and normal wireless network segmentation, can be secure if implemented correctly. However, VLANs tend to offer more robust control and isolation and are preferable in environments where a high degree of control over network access and security is needed.

In wireless environments, it is vital to complement segmentation with strong wireless security measures to protect against vulnerabilities specific to Wi-Fi networks.