Network Segmentation: Strengthening Security and Performance for Modern IT

Network segmentation is one of the most effective ways to reduce cyber risk, boost performance, and simplify compliance. By dividing a network into smaller, isolated zones, IT teams and MSPs gain tighter control over traffic, stronger data protection, and faster response times.

In this blog, we’ll explain how network segmentation works, why it matters, and how Level helps IT teams put segmentation into practice.

What Is Network Segmentation?

Network segmentation is a security practice that divides a computer network into smaller, isolated segments or subnets. Instead of one large, flat network where every system connects to every other system, segmentation creates multiple zones with their own access controls and policies.

• Dividing the Network: Large networks are broken into smaller, independent segments using routers, switches, and firewalls.
• Isolated Segments: Each zone functions as a mini-network with its own rules, protections, and monitoring.
• Reduced Attack Surface: Sensitive data and critical systems are isolated, limiting the damage a breach can cause.
• Improved Performance: Broadcast traffic is minimized, which reduces congestion and speeds up communication.

In short, segmentation makes a network easier to secure, manage, and scale.

Why Network Segmentation Matters

For IT teams and MSPs, network segmentation is not just a best practice. It is essential for security, compliance, and efficiency.

Enhanced Security

• Containment: If attackers compromise one segment, their movement is contained within that zone. They cannot easily access the rest of the network.
• Data Protection: Critical data, such as financial records or customer information, can be kept in secure segments that only authorized roles can access.
• Reduced Attack Surface: By shrinking the number of systems exposed to threats, segmentation limits potential damage.

Improved Performance

• Reduced Congestion: Smaller segments reduce broadcast traffic, leading to faster response times and better reliability.
• Targeted Traffic: Traffic can be routed to specific segments, ensuring resources are used efficiently.

Simplified Management

• Faster Troubleshooting: Network issues can be pinpointed to a specific segment, reducing downtime.
• Granular Control: Different policies can be applied to different segments, tailored to the systems within.

Compliance Alignment

• PCI DSS: Payment card data must be isolated. Segmentation is a required control for compliance.
• Other Regulations: HIPAA, GDPR, and industry-specific frameworks all benefit from segmented networks that limit access to sensitive data.
  

Methods of Network Segmentation

There are multiple ways to implement segmentation depending on an organization’s needs and infrastructure.

1. Physical Segmentation
   
   • Uses separate hardware such as switches, cabling, or firewalls to create distinct network zones.
   • Highly secure but costly and less flexible for scaling.
     
2. Logical Segmentation
   
   • Uses technologies such as VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) or software-defined networking (SDN).
   • Provides flexibility and scalability without needing separate physical infrastructure.
     
3. Microsegmentation
   
   • A more granular approach that isolates traffic at the workload or application level.
   • Often used alongside Zero Trust architectures to enforce strict controls.
     

How Level Supports Network Segmentation

Level’s RMM platform helps IT teams and MSPs put network segmentation into practice without unnecessary complexity.

Key Ways Level Enhances Segmentation

• Granular Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) Segmentation is only effective if access is controlled. Level’s RBAC ensures that only the right users and technicians can access sensitive segments.
• Endpoint Monitoring Across Segments
  IT teams can monitor endpoints across segmented networks without losing visibility. Alerts and performance data are centralized in Level’s dashboard.
• Automated Patch Management Even in segmented networks, devices need timely updates. Level automates patching while respecting access boundaries.
• Compliance-Ready Reporting Segmentation often ties directly into compliance. Level generates audit-friendly reports that prove sensitive systems are isolated and access is tracked.
• Support for MSP Multi-Tenancy MSPs managing multiple clients need separation at scale. Level allows MSPs to segment client environments cleanly, ensuring no overlap or accidental exposure.
  

Practical Example: Using Level for Segmented Networks

Imagine an MSP managing a retail client with three key zones.

• Point-of-Sale Network: Restricted to payment card processing systems.
• Corporate Office Network: Used by employees for email, collaboration, and business operations.
• Guest Wi-Fi Network: Accessible to customers but isolated from sensitive systems.

With Level, the MSP can:

• Apply different monitoring rules to each segment.
• Use RBAC to ensure only authorized staff manage the POS network.
• Automate patching separately for each zone.
• Generate compliance reports proving cardholder data is isolated.

This setup reduces risk, simplifies audits, and ensures each segment runs efficiently.

Best Practices for Successful Segmentation

1. Identify Critical Assets First
   Determine which systems handle sensitive data and isolate them as a priority.
2. Use the Principle of Least Privilege
   Combine segmentation with RBAC so users only access the zones they need.
3. Monitor All Segments
   Visibility should not stop at the boundary. Use tools like Level to ensure endpoints in every segment are monitored and patched.
4. Review Regularly
   Segmentation needs to evolve with the business. Regular audits ensure policies remain aligned with current needs.

Network Segmentation and Zero Trust

Segmentation plays a major role in modern Zero Trust security models. By dividing the network into smaller zones and enforcing access policies, organizations can prevent lateral movement, a common technique used by attackers to spread after gaining an initial foothold.

Level’s approach aligns with Zero Trust principles by combining segmentation with strong role-based controls, centralized monitoring, and continuous auditing.

Why Level Is the Right Fit

Network segmentation is powerful, but it can be complex to implement and manage. Level reduces that complexity by integrating segmentation-aware tools into a single platform.

With Level you get:

• Streamlined monitoring across segments
• Secure role-based access
• Compliance reporting built in
• Multi-tenant controls for MSP scalability

Segmentation becomes not just a theoretical best practice but an operational advantage.

Final Thoughts

Network segmentation is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk, improve performance, and simplify compliance. By isolating sensitive data and critical systems, organizations limit the damage of breaches and keep operations running smoothly.

Level makes segmentation practical. Whether you are an internal IT team protecting sensitive workloads or an MSP managing multiple clients, Level gives you the visibility, control, and automation needed to secure every segment of the network.

Strengthen your IT security posture with Level, segmentation made simple, scalable, and effective.