Question : Problem: Subnet vs. VLAN

I have a fairly large lan that is spread out geographicalls via wireless links as well as hardwired to offices.  Current there is a single /24 subnet and i am considering using VLANs to contain broadcast traffic on the network.  My questions is, If i were to further subnet that /24 network into serveral smaller networks, shouldnt that accomplish the same as a VLAN with respect to broadcasts?

Answer : Problem: Subnet vs. VLAN

No.

The only way subnets contain broadcast traffic is if routers connect them to each other. The routers drop the broadcasts. Setting it up as smaller networks will force traffic to the router between the subnets, but the single vlan will mean that the switches will pass every broadcast to all ports in the vlan. Splitting the network with VLANS will mean that your switches will not pass broadcasts from one VLAN to another, and bring down the background "noise" of your network.

VLANs aren't that hard to implement. Dig in and you'll get more benefits for your network.

Good luck!