What device is used to connect multiple VLANs in a network?

The device used to connect multiple VLANs in a network is a router. Each VLAN operates as a separate broadcast domain, which means devices within the same VLAN can communicate with each other, but communication between devices in different VLANs requires routing capabilities. A router is designed to perform this function by routing traffic between these separate networks.

When devices within different VLANs need to communicate, the router receives the traffic from one VLAN, processes it, and forwards it to the appropriate VLAN based on the destination address. This is essential for maintaining logical segmentation of network traffic while still allowing inter-VLAN communication as needed.

Switches primarily handle traffic within the same VLAN and do not natively route traffic between different VLANs. Hubs operate at the physical layer and do not recognize VLANs or manage traffic accordingly. Bridges, while capable of connecting and filtering traffic between network segments, do not perform the routing function required to manage VLANs effectively. Each device plays a distinct role in network architecture, but for the specific task of connecting VLANs, the router is the necessary choice.