What is a common use of VLANs in a network?

VLANs, or Virtual Local Area Networks, are commonly used in networks primarily to increase network security. By segmenting a network into different VLANs, administrators can isolate sensitive data or specific user groups from the rest of the network. This means that users in one VLAN cannot communicate directly with users in another VLAN without proper routing and access controls, thereby reducing the potential for unauthorized access and limiting the spread of malicious activity.

This enhanced security model allows organizations to enforce policies that dictate which users can access certain resources, thereby mitigating risks associated with network vulnerabilities. For instance, a company might have separate VLANs for different departments, ensuring that financial data is kept isolated from the marketing department, thus adding a layer of security to important information.

The other options focus on different functions that may not align directly with the primary purpose of VLANs. Combining multiple network connections relates more to link aggregation, managing IP addresses pertains to DHCP or static IP assignment, and facilitating remote access usually involves technologies such as VPNs or remote desktop solutions. These functions play important roles in networking but are distinctly separate from the primary benefits provided by VLANs.