What is a VLAN used for in networking?

A VLAN, or Virtual Local Area Network, serves the crucial role of segmenting a network to enhance traffic management. By utilizing VLANs, network administrators can create distinct broadcast domains within a single physical network, allowing for improved organization and efficiency in how data is transmitted.

When VLANs are employed, devices can be grouped logically regardless of their physical locations. This logical separation reduces broadcast traffic, leading to decreased congestion and more efficient use of bandwidth. It also facilitates better security by isolating different types of traffic, ensuring that sensitive information does not intermingle with less secure data.

In the context of the provided answers, while separating devices on a physical network also relates to VLAN use, the key benefit lies in the effective management of network traffic that VLANs enable. Efficient traffic handling directly impacts performance, scalability, and security, making VLANs essential in modern network design.

The other options pertain to different networking concepts that do not capture the primary function of VLANs succinctly. For instance, creating a virtual storage space relates more to storage area networks, and interconnecting different networks typically involves routing functionalities rather than the segmentation focus of VLANs.