What is one of the primary uses of VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks)?

The primary use of VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) is to reduce broadcast domains. In traditional Ethernet networks, when a broadcast is sent out, all devices within the same network segment receive it. This can lead to inefficiencies, especially in larger networks where unnecessary traffic can cause congestion and degrade performance.

VLANs segment a larger network into smaller, isolated networks, each able to manage its broadcast domain independently. By doing so, broadcasts that occur within one VLAN do not propagate to other VLANs, significantly reducing unnecessary traffic and improving overall network efficiency. This isolation offers a cleaner, more manageable network environment, allowing for better performance and easier troubleshooting.

While VLANs can also contribute indirectly to other benefits like simplifying cabling or enhancing security policies, the most direct and significant impact they have is in reducing the size of broadcast domains.