Network segmentation
Encyclopedia
Network segmentation in computer networking is the act or profession of splitting a computer network into subnetwork
s, each being a network segment
or network layer
. Advantages of such splitting are primarily for boosting performance and improving security.
Subnetwork
A subnetwork, or subnet, is a logically visible subdivision of an IP network. The practice of dividing a network into subnetworks is called subnetting....
s, each being a network segment
Network segment
A network segment is a portion of a computer network. The nature and extent of a segment depends on the nature of the network and the device or devices used to interconnect end stations.-Ethernet:...
or network layer
Network layer
The network layer is layer 3 of the seven-layer OSI model of computer networking.The network layer is responsible for packet forwarding including routing through intermediate routers, whereas the data link layer is responsible for media access control, flow control and error checking.The network...
. Advantages of such splitting are primarily for boosting performance and improving security.
Advantages
- reduced congestion: Improved performance is achieved because on a segmented network there are fewer hosts per subnetwork, thus minimizing local traffic.
- improved security: Broadcasts will be contained to local network. Internal network structure will not be visible from outside.
- containing network problems: Limiting the effect of local failures on other parts of network.