How does network segmentation improve performance?

Network segmentation improves performance primarily by reducing congestion through the division of large networks into smaller, more manageable pieces. When a network is segmented, traffic is contained within individual segments, which helps to limit the amount of data traveling across the entire network at any given time. This localized traffic flow minimizes collisions and ensures that the available bandwidth is used more efficiently.

In larger, unsegmented networks, all devices share the same bandwidth, leading to potential bottlenecks as traffic increases. By segmenting the network, administrators can control traffic more effectively and reduce the load on any single segment. As a result, devices within each segment communicate more quickly, leading to improved overall performance for users.

This principle underpins many common networking practices, such as the use of VLANs and subnetting, which help to isolate different types of traffic or separate various departments within an organization, thus enhancing both performance and management of the network.