A one-arm router connects virtual LANs on the same physical network, improving security by compartmentalizing information. It directs traffic between virtual LANs, taking the strain off the main router and speeding up the network.
A one-arm router is the name of a router that routes traffic between one or more virtual local area networks (LANs). These routers work basically the same way as a regular router; they collect information and send it to the correct location. In the case of a one-arm router, the networks they route between are on the same physical network. Virtual LANs and the routers connecting them are primarily used as security devices.
Standard routers take information from one network and send it to another. If everything works as it should, every piece of data on a network has an intended destination. Routers read this information and send it to the correct machine. This way, they keep the amount of traffic on the network lower than if each piece of information was simply sent to each device.
A standard LAN connects multiple devices together in one network. When connected to each other, devices are able to share information faster and easier than when they’re on separate networks. Their direct connectivity bypasses several network security procedures, as the start and end of the information are both within the network.
Virtual networks are designed to either encourage or discourage such connectivity. Some virtual LANs are based on software systems. These networks can consist of devices around the world that all act as if they are on the same network. These types of virtual LANs are the least common type. The usual virtual LAN consists of multiple networks operating in the same physical space. Even if the information goes through the same wires, the LANs are considered different and there is no direct communication.
A one arm router is used to connect these virtual systems. This router has a single network interface controller recognized by each connected virtual network. This single controller is the focal point of any network. Because it’s recognized as a router for every system, the information it receives can go to any connected network.
These routers are typically installed off the main data path. A single-arm router connects multiple virtual networks, but does not serve as the primary routing source for the physical network. These routers direct traffic between virtual LANs, which takes the strain off the main router and speeds up the network.
The main reason to use a virtual LAN is security. Multiple departments within an office or multiple offices within a building can share a network system without sharing data. This keeps the data more secure and compartmentalizes the information. Using a one-arm router within this system will still keep some of the LANs separate, such as two businesses operating on the same floor of a building, but also allow others to connect to each other, such as a sales and marketing department .
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