What is Zoning?

Understanding Zoning

Zoning is an approach to designing networks by dividing them into distinct segments, each with its own set of security policies and access controls. This technique groups systems with similar security needs or functions into isolated zones, creating defined boundaries that help contain potential breaches and restrict unauthorized lateral movement. As a core element of defense in depth, network zoning enables organizations to enforce tailored security measures for each segment, ensuring that a compromise in one area does not automatically endanger the entire network.

Organizations typically implement zoning using tools such as firewalls, VLANs, microsegmentation, and zero trust architectures, all of which work together to control communication between zones. For example, a manufacturing company might separate its network into different zones for IT operations, operational technology (OT), public-facing services (DMZ), industrial control, management, development, and guest access. Each zone is secured with specific controls—like gateway inspections and limited, role-based communication paths—minimizing risk and ensuring that access is granted strictly on a need-to-know basis.

Related terms include Network Segmentation, Defense in Depth, Security Zone, DMZ, Trusted Network, Untrusted Network, Boundary Protection, Network Isolation, Security Boundary, and Microsegmentation.