What technology allows network administrators to create software-based LAN segments based on factors other than physical location?

Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) provide a powerful method for network administrators to create segmented networks based on logical rather than physical criteria. This technology allows for the isolation of network traffic, which enhances security, improves performance, and helps manage network resources more efficiently.

By using VLANs, organizations can group devices based on function, department, or any other administrative requirement, regardless of their actual physical location. For instance, employees from different departments situated on different floors of a building can be configured into the same VLAN, allowing them to communicate as if they were on the same network while maintaining separation from other traffic. This flexibility is essential in environments where organizational needs frequently change or where resources must be allocated dynamically.

In contrast, the other options either describe broader networking concepts or do not specifically address the creation of software-based segmentation. Wide Area Networks (WANs) extend over large geographic areas and do not focus on segmentation within a local network. Local Area Networks (LANs) refer to a collection of devices connected in a limited geographical area, typically without the ability to create software-based segments. Networking Protocols cover a broad range of rules and conventions for communication over networks but do not specifically relate to the logical separation of networks. Thus, VLANs stand