Comparing Networking Features
VLAN, PVLAN, and VXLAN are configurations that enable you to isolate network traffic.
A VLAN is a subdivision of a local area network at the datalink layer of the stack. A
PVLAN enables you to divide a VLAN into sub-VLANs. A VXLAN enables you to create a Layer
2 network on top of a Layer 3 network.
The following table compares VLAN, PVLAN, and VXLAN technologies with respect to how
you might want to isolate networks on your site.
Table 3 Feature Comparison: VLAN, PVLAN, and VXLAN
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When to use
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In local area networks that use switch technology
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When VLANs are required to share the same IP subnet for better
isolation
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In geographically dispersed data centers or in a cloud
environment
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Network technology type
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Layer 2
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Layer 2
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Overlay (Layer 2 over UDP)
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Number of isolated networks
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Up to 4094 with 12 bit VLAN IDs
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More than regular VLANs with 12 bit VLAN IDs
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Up to 16 million with 24 bit VXLAN IDs
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Level of isolation
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Divides the network into subnetworks without having to add
resources to the physical network environment
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Divides a regular VLAN (primary) into sub-VLANs (secondary)
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Creates a Layer 2 network over a Layer 3 network
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Use with virtualization (zones)
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Enables creation of multiple virtual networks within a single
network unit
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Enables network isolation between zones which are in the same VLAN
without introducing any additional VLANs
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Enables creation of multiple virtual networks between different
hosts on a Layer 3 network
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Broadcast domain
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Single broadcast domain partitioned by VLAN segments
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Partitions one broadcast domain into multiple subdomains
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Single broadcast domain partitioned by VXLAN segments
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Overlapping IP addresses
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Not supported
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Not supported
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Supported if the IP addresses are unique within a VXLAN
segment
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Enabling IP multicast
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Not required
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Not required
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Required
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Configuration tool
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dladm create-vlan
dladm create-vnic
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dladm create-vlan
dladm create-vnic
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dladm create-vxlan
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