VLAN –
A VLAN is a group of switch ports administratively configured to share the same broadcast domain.
Private VLANs –
Private VLANs (PVLANs) are used mainly by service providers. The main purpose of Private VLAN (PVLAN) is to provide the ability to isolate hosts at Layer 2 instead of Layer 3. By using PVLAN we are splitting that domain into some smaller broadcast domains. In other words we may summarize Private VLAN as ” VLANs in VLAN “.
Below tables enlists the difference between both:
Comparison Table: VLAN vs Private VLAN
S.No. | VLAN | PRIVATE VLAN |
---|---|---|
1 | Different Vlans must belong to different IP subnets. | PVLANs belong to the same IP subnet |
2 | Vlan works in Layer 2 and Layer 3 | PVLAN is method to segment device at layer 2 |
3 | Vlan is the basic requirement for all LAN Environments. | PVLANs are required for specific requirements wherein endpoints of same VLAN should not communicate to each other. E.g. – Mainly in ISP scenarios to prevent different customer from communicating to each other on same LAN segment. |
4 | Intervlan communication is performed at L3 SVI level | PVLAN to outside communication is performed via Primary VLAN. |
Download the difference table: VLAN vs Private VLAN.