How does Virtual LAN (VLAN) support network segmentation in wireless networks?

Virtual LAN (VLAN) significantly enhances network segmentation in wireless networks by allowing separate broadcast domains. Essentially, VLANs segregate the network into distinct segments, enabling each segment to operate as a separate logical network. This means that devices within one VLAN cannot directly communicate with devices in another VLAN without proper routing.

This segmentation is crucial for several reasons: it improves network performance by reducing broadcast traffic, enhances security by isolating sensitive data and applications, and simplifies management by allowing for easier grouping of users and devices based on specific criteria, such as department or function.

While allowing multiple SSIDs can create different access points, it doesn't necessarily provide the same level of network isolation that VLANs do. Similarly, enabling encryption is vital for securing data transmission but does not inherently provide segmentation. Although creating guest networks can involve VLANs, it’s only one application of the broader capability of VLANs to create separate broadcast domains for various purposes, making the primary function of VLANs more central to the concept of network segmentation.