To segment network traffic, which topology should an administrator use?

Using Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) is a highly effective method for segmenting network traffic. VLANs allow administrators to create separate broadcast domains within a single physical network infrastructure. This means that traffic can be isolated based on logical groupings, regardless of the physical location of the devices.

By utilizing VLANs, administrators can enhance security measures because sensitive data can be confined to specific segments of the network, reducing the risk of unauthorized access. Additionally, VLANs can improve network performance by reducing broadcast traffic, as devices in different VLANs do not see each other's broadcasts, leading to more efficient use of network resources.

In contrast, the other options do not inherently provide the same level of traffic segmentation. Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs) refer to larger geographical networking solutions and do not specifically deal with traffic segmentation on a local scale. Local Area Networks (LANs) can provide some level of segmentation but do not offer the same flexibility and control over traffic flows that VLANs do, especially in complex environments. Therefore, utilizing Virtual Local Area Networks is the most suitable choice for segmenting network traffic effectively.