Which of the following is a benefit of using VLANs?

Using VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) offers significant improvements in network performance and security. One of the primary advantages of VLANs is their ability to segment a network into different logical networks, even if the devices are physically connected to the same network infrastructure. This segmentation allows for better management of broadcast traffic, as broadcasts are confined to individual VLANs rather than flooding the entire network. As a result, overall network traffic is reduced, leading to enhanced performance.

Moreover, VLANs improve security by isolating sensitive data and communications. By grouping users and devices based on their function or role within the organization, VLANs help ensure that access controls can be more effectively implemented. For instance, only devices within the same VLAN can communicate directly with each other, preventing unauthorized users from accessing sensitive information.

While other choices may seem relevant, they do not accurately reflect the advantages provided by VLANs. Decreased network costs and the elimination of hardware are not direct outcomes of using VLANs, and VLANs inherently separate traffic rather than creating a uniform flow across all segments. This separation further emphasizes their role in enhancing efficiency and protecting network resources.