Topic 01 Practice Test 3 covers Network Devices and Topology Architectures for Cisco Certified Network Associate 200-301 CCNA and maps to objectives 1.1–1.2. For broader exam preparation, review the Cisco CCNA 200-301 Exam Dumps. Every option includes focused technical reasoning explaining both the networking concept and its fit to the scenario.
Question 1
A management platform maintains configuration templates for hundreds of branch APs and reports their status centrally. Which component role is represented? Choose ONE.
- Wireless/network controller
- Server
- Layer 2 switch
- Wireless access point
Correct Answer: A
Correct Answer
Answer A is correct because A wireless or network controller centralizes configuration, policy, monitoring, and often RF or lifecycle management for managed devices. The key behavior is coordination and management of many network devices. Required outcome: centralized policy and operational management. This option fits.
Incorrect Answers
Answer D is incorrect because Choose it to provide local wireless coverage and association rather than to coordinate many APs centrally. The AP is the edge radio device that lets nearby 802.11 clients join the WLAN and reach the wired network. The case instead needs centralized policy and operational management. The key behavior is coordination and management of many network devices. The roles differ.
Answer B is incorrect because A network server is an end system whose main role is to supply a shared service, rather than acting as an individual user’s client device. It fits a shared-service host, not a user endpoint or a device whose job is to forward network traffic. This case needs centralized policy and operational management. That mismatch rules it out.
Answer C is incorrect because Layer 2 switching is MAC-based forwarding within the local broadcast domain; it does not require IP route lookup. Use it when endpoints need Ethernet forwarding within one VLAN or broadcast domain. Here, the task is centralized policy and operational management. The key behavior is coordination and management of many network devices. That option misses the required function.
Question 2
A point-of-sale terminal sends transaction requests to a central payment service but does not host services for other clients. What network role does it have? Choose ONE.
- Server
- Router
- Wireless/network controller
- Endpoint
Correct Answer: D
Correct Answer
Answer D is correct because The terminal acts as a client endpoint rather than a shared service host. A client endpoint is an attached end system whose normal purpose is to send or receive application data rather than forward traffic for other networks. The required outcome is an edge client consuming a remote service. The role matches.
Incorrect Answers
Answer A is incorrect because A server hosts shared applications, data, authentication, name resolution, or other services that network clients consume. Its proper use differs: It is appropriate when multiple clients depend on a hosted shared function. This case needs an edge client consuming a remote service. The terminal acts as a client endpoint rather than a shared service host. It therefore fails here.
Answer B is incorrect because A router connects distinct IP subnets, selecting a next hop from its routing information rather than forwarding only by MAC address. Its natural use is path selection between subnets or remote networks. Here, the task is an edge client consuming a remote service. The terminal acts as a client endpoint rather than a shared service host. That option misses the required function.
Answer C is incorrect because Use a controller when centralized policy or lifecycle management across a device fleet is the key need. Controllers coordinate a fleet of managed access points or other network devices from a common management and policy plane. The case instead needs an edge client consuming a remote service. The terminal acts as a client endpoint rather than a shared service host. The roles differ.
Question 3
An internal file system stores departmental documents and accepts SMB connections from user PCs. Which role best describes it? Choose ONE.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE)
- Wireless access point
- Server
- Endpoint
Correct Answer: C
Correct Answer
Answer C is correct because Servers provide resources or application functions to multiple client systems over the network. The task requires a shared service host for multiple clients. Serving files to many endpoints is a server function. It is the appropriate choice.
Incorrect Answers
Answer D is incorrect because An endpoint is a client-side system such as a laptop, phone, scanner, or workstation that originates or consumes network application traffic. It fits a user or edge device that consumes services rather than hosting shared infrastructure. Here, the task is a shared service host for multiple clients. Serving files to many endpoints is a server function. That option misses the required function.
Answer B is incorrect because Use an AP when the requirement is actual Wi-Fi client connectivity at a location. A wireless access point supplies the 802.11 radio interface that associates Wi-Fi clients and bridges their traffic into the wired LAN. The case instead needs a shared service host for multiple clients. Serving files to many endpoints is a server function. The roles differ.
Answer A is incorrect because Power over Ethernet carries DC power and Ethernet data over supported copper cabling from power-sourcing equipment to a powered device. Its proper use differs: It fits edge devices that should operate without a separate local AC adapter. This case needs a shared service host for multiple clients. Serving files to many endpoints is a server function. It therefore fails here.
Question 4
A floor has IP phones at desks with no separate power bricks. The phones receive power and data from access-switch ports. Which capability enables the design? Choose ONE.
- WAN architecture
- Cloud infrastructure
- Power over Ethernet (PoE)
- Wireless/network controller
Correct Answer: C
Correct Answer
Answer C is correct because PoE lets compatible Ethernet switch ports energize devices such as phones, cameras, or access points through the same copper pairs used for connectivity. The phones are powered devices receiving DC power from the switching infrastructure. Required outcome: Ethernet-based power delivery to connected devices. This option fits.
Incorrect Answers
Answer A is incorrect because Choose WAN architecture when the main requirement is inter-site rather than within-building connectivity. WAN connectivity links separate geographic locations so their local networks can communicate across a metropolitan, regional, or global distance. The case instead needs Ethernet-based power delivery to connected devices. The phones are powered devices receiving DC power from the switching infrastructure. The roles differ.
Answer B is incorrect because Cloud platforms let organizations deploy resources on demand in provider facilities instead of purchasing and operating every server and network device themselves. Its proper use differs: It is appropriate when the organization wants consumable infrastructure services rather than full responsibility for the physical platform. This case needs Ethernet-based power delivery to connected devices. The phones are powered devices receiving DC power from the switching infrastructure. It therefore fails here.
Answer D is incorrect because Centralized controllers push consistent settings and collect operational state for multiple managed network devices instead of serving as the clients’ radio itself. Its role is fleet-wide coordination and control, not providing the individual endpoint’s Wi-Fi radio link. Here, the task is Ethernet-based power delivery to connected devices. The phones are powered devices receiving DC power from the switching infrastructure. That option misses the required function.
Question 5
A growing office wants to keep access switches simple while a redundant collapsed pair handles aggregation and core routing. Which topology remains appropriate? Choose ONE.
- SOHO architecture
- Three-tier campus architecture
- Spine-leaf architecture
- Two-tier campus architecture
Correct Answer: D
Correct Answer
Answer D is correct because Combining distribution and core into one tier preserves a two-tier campus architecture. Collapsed-core campus architecture uses two functional tiers: access and a combined distribution/core layer. The required outcome is an access plus collapsed distribution/core design. The role matches.
Incorrect Answers
Answer B is incorrect because The traditional three-layer campus model uses separate access, distribution, and core tiers to improve modularity and scale. Its proper use differs: It is appropriate where multiple distribution domains need a dedicated high-speed core layer. This case needs an access plus collapsed distribution/core design. Combining distribution and core into one tier preserves a two-tier campus architecture. It therefore fails here.
Answer C is incorrect because A two-tier spine-leaf fabric places endpoint-facing leaf switches below a spine layer, with full leaf-to-spine connectivity. It is appropriate for horizontally scalable data-center fabrics rather than a conventional campus access/distribution/core hierarchy. Here, the task is an access plus collapsed distribution/core design. Combining distribution and core into one tier preserves a two-tier campus architecture. That option misses the required function.
Answer A is incorrect because Choose SOHO for a modest user count and simple local-network requirements. SOHO networks serve a small user population with compact infrastructure instead of a multi-layer enterprise campus. The case instead needs an access plus collapsed distribution/core design. Combining distribution and core into one tier preserves a two-tier campus architecture. The roles differ.
Question 6
A multinational headquarters has many access blocks and separate distribution pairs; a dedicated core provides fast transit between them. Which topology is this? Choose ONE.
- Spine-leaf architecture
- Cloud infrastructure
- Two-tier campus architecture
- Three-tier campus architecture
Correct Answer: D
Correct Answer
Answer D is correct because A three-tier campus separates access, distribution, and core functions into distinct architectural layers. The task requires three distinct campus hierarchy layers. Access, distribution, and core are all separate functional tiers. It is the appropriate choice.
Incorrect Answers
Answer C is incorrect because A two-tier campus collapses distribution and core functions into one layer above the access layer instead of deploying a separate core. It is often appropriate for a campus whose scale does not justify a dedicated core layer. Here, the task is three distinct campus hierarchy layers. Access, distribution, and core are all separate functional tiers. That option misses the required function.
Answer A is incorrect because It suits data centers that need scalable, predictable paths for substantial east-west traffic. In a classic spine-leaf fabric, each leaf connects to every spine and leaf-to-leaf traffic traverses a spine. The case instead needs three distinct campus hierarchy layers. Access, distribution, and core are all separate functional tiers. The roles differ.
Answer B is incorrect because Cloud infrastructure supplies provider-hosted compute, storage, and networking resources that customers can provision without owning all underlying hardware. Its proper use differs: It fits rapid scaling, on-demand service consumption, or reduced ownership of physical infrastructure. This case needs three distinct campus hierarchy layers. Access, distribution, and core are all separate functional tiers. It therefore fails here.
Question 7
A data center adds another leaf switch and connects it to every existing spine to preserve uniform east-west paths. Which topology is being expanded? Choose ONE.
- Spine-leaf architecture
- WAN architecture
- Three-tier campus architecture
- Two-tier campus architecture
Correct Answer: A
Correct Answer
Answer A is correct because Spine-leaf data-center topology creates a consistent fabric by attaching every leaf switch to all spine switches. Connecting each new leaf to all spines is the canonical spine-leaf scaling pattern. Required outcome: a leaf-to-all-spines data-center fabric. This option fits.
Incorrect Answers
Answer B is incorrect because Its scope is site-to-site transport across distance, not the local topology inside a single office. Wide-area networking extends connectivity beyond one local site, commonly joining branches, offices, or data centers through service-provider transport. The case instead needs a leaf-to-all-spines data-center fabric. Connecting each new leaf to all spines is the canonical spine-leaf scaling pattern. The roles differ.
Answer D is incorrect because In a two-tier campus, access switches connect to a combined distribution/core tier, reducing the number of architectural layers. Its proper use differs: Choose it when a smaller campus needs hierarchy but can combine distribution and core functions. This case needs a leaf-to-all-spines data-center fabric. Connecting each new leaf to all spines is the canonical spine-leaf scaling pattern. It therefore fails here.
Answer C is incorrect because Three-tier hierarchical design places a dedicated core above distribution blocks, which in turn aggregate access networks. Choose it when scale and modularity justify distinct access, distribution, and core roles. Here, the task is a leaf-to-all-spines data-center fabric. Connecting each new leaf to all spines is the canonical spine-leaf scaling pattern. That option misses the required function.
Question 8
A business acquires a second office 800 km away and needs private connectivity between the two LANs. Which architecture category addresses that requirement? Choose ONE.
- On-premises infrastructure
- SOHO architecture
- WAN architecture
- Spine-leaf architecture
Correct Answer: C
Correct Answer
Answer C is correct because The requirement is interconnecting LANs across a large geographic distance. A wide area network connects LANs or sites across significant geographic distance using carrier, provider, or other long-haul connectivity. The required outcome is long-distance site-to-site network connectivity. The role matches.
Incorrect Answers
Answer B is incorrect because Small office/home office architecture typically consolidates common edge and LAN functions to minimize cost and operational complexity. Its proper use differs: It fits homes or small offices that need basic integrated connectivity rather than large-scale campus hierarchy. This case needs long-distance site-to-site network connectivity. The requirement is interconnecting LANs across a large geographic distance. It therefore fails here.
Answer D is incorrect because A two-tier spine-leaf fabric places endpoint-facing leaf switches below a spine layer, with full leaf-to-spine connectivity. It is appropriate for horizontally scalable data-center fabrics rather than a conventional campus access/distribution/core hierarchy. Here, the task is long-distance site-to-site network connectivity. The requirement is interconnecting LANs across a large geographic distance. That option misses the required function.
Answer A is incorrect because It is appropriate where policy or design demands organization-controlled facilities and equipment. An on-premises model keeps the physical infrastructure under company control rather than consuming the entire platform from a cloud provider. The case instead needs long-distance site-to-site network connectivity. The requirement is interconnecting LANs across a large geographic distance. The roles differ.
Question 9
A home-based design studio has six users and one integrated gateway providing routing, firewalling, switch ports, and Wi-Fi. Which architecture best matches? Choose ONE.
- WAN architecture
- SOHO architecture
- Three-tier campus architecture
- Spine-leaf architecture
Correct Answer: B
Correct Answer
Answer B is correct because A small-office/home-office design favors simplicity and may combine routing, switching, firewalling, and Wi-Fi in only one or a few devices. The task requires a compact home/small-office network. A small user count and combined functions are characteristic of SOHO networking. It is the appropriate choice.
Incorrect Answers
Answer C is incorrect because The traditional three-layer campus model uses separate access, distribution, and core tiers to improve modularity and scale. It is appropriate where multiple distribution domains need a dedicated high-speed core layer. Here, the task is a compact home/small-office network. A small user count and combined functions are characteristic of SOHO networking. That option misses the required function.
Answer A is incorrect because Choose WAN architecture when the main requirement is inter-site rather than within-building connectivity. WAN connectivity links separate geographic locations so their local networks can communicate across a metropolitan, regional, or global distance. The case instead needs a compact home/small-office network. A small user count and combined functions are characteristic of SOHO networking. The roles differ.
Answer D is incorrect because In a classic spine-leaf fabric, each leaf connects to every spine and leaf-to-leaf traffic traverses a spine. Its proper use differs: It suits data centers that need scalable, predictable paths for substantial east-west traffic. This case needs a compact home/small-office network. A small user count and combined functions are characteristic of SOHO networking. It therefore fails here.
Question 10
A bank keeps a legacy application on servers it owns in its private facility because hardware access must be tightly controlled. Which infrastructure model is this? Choose ONE.
- Cloud infrastructure
- SOHO architecture
- WAN architecture
- On-premises infrastructure
Correct Answer: D
Correct Answer
Answer D is correct because On-premises infrastructure runs on hardware in facilities controlled by the organization, which retains responsibility for the physical platform and much of its lifecycle. The bank is retaining the physical platform under its own operational control. Required outcome: organization-owned infrastructure in a controlled facility. This option fits.
Incorrect Answers
Answer A is incorrect because Choose cloud when elasticity and provider-operated hardware are central requirements. A cloud model delivers infrastructure as provider-operated services, enabling elastic consumption and reducing direct responsibility for physical equipment. The case instead needs organization-owned infrastructure in a controlled facility. The bank is retaining the physical platform under its own operational control. The roles differ.
Answer C is incorrect because Wide-area networking extends connectivity beyond one local site, commonly joining branches, offices, or data centers through service-provider transport. Its proper use differs: Its scope is site-to-site transport across distance, not the local topology inside a single office. This case needs organization-owned infrastructure in a controlled facility. The bank is retaining the physical platform under its own operational control. It therefore fails here.
Answer B is incorrect because SOHO networks serve a small user population with compact infrastructure instead of a multi-layer enterprise campus. Choose SOHO for a modest user count and simple local-network requirements. Here, the task is organization-owned infrastructure in a controlled facility. The bank is retaining the physical platform under its own operational control. That option misses the required function.
Question 11
A startup deploys new application servers from a provider portal and pays for only the capacity it consumes. Which model is being used? Choose ONE.
- Two-tier campus architecture
- On-premises infrastructure
- Cloud infrastructure
- WAN architecture
Correct Answer: C
Correct Answer
Answer C is correct because On-demand provisioning and usage-based consumption are cloud characteristics. Cloud platforms let organizations deploy resources on demand in provider facilities instead of purchasing and operating every server and network device themselves. The required outcome is provider-hosted resources consumed on demand. The role matches.
Incorrect Answers
Answer B is incorrect because With on-premises deployment, the organization owns or directly operates computing and networking resources at its own sites. Its proper use differs: Choose it when ownership and operation of the underlying physical platform are part of the requirement. This case needs provider-hosted resources consumed on demand. On-demand provisioning and usage-based consumption are cloud characteristics. It therefore fails here.
Answer A is incorrect because Collapsed-core campus architecture uses two functional tiers: access and a combined distribution/core layer. It fits designs seeking a simpler campus hierarchy with access plus collapsed distribution/core. Here, the task is provider-hosted resources consumed on demand. On-demand provisioning and usage-based consumption are cloud characteristics. That option misses the required function.
Answer D is incorrect because It fits communication between organizational sites in different geographic locations. A wide area network connects LANs or sites across significant geographic distance using carrier, provider, or other long-haul connectivity. The case instead needs provider-hosted resources consumed on demand. On-demand provisioning and usage-based consumption are cloud characteristics. The roles differ.
Question 12
A campus access layer needs to route locally between voice, user, and printer VLANs while preserving high switching throughput. Which device role best fits? Choose ONE.
- Endpoint
- Layer 2 switch
- Router
- Layer 3 switch
Correct Answer: D
Correct Answer
Answer D is correct because Multilayer switches can route between VLAN interfaces while retaining switch-platform forwarding performance. The task requires local inter-VLAN routing integrated into campus switching. A Layer 3 switch is designed for this combination of switching density and routing. It is the appropriate choice.
Incorrect Answers
Answer B is incorrect because An Ethernet switch at Layer 2 builds a forwarding table from learned MAC addresses and sends frames toward the matching switch port. Its role is local frame switching; a separate Layer 3 function is needed to cross subnet boundaries. Here, the task is local inter-VLAN routing integrated into campus switching. A Layer 3 switch is designed for this combination of switching density and routing. That option misses the required function.
Answer C is incorrect because Choose it when the needed function is inter-network IP forwarding rather than local Layer 2 switching. Routing operates across Layer 3 network boundaries; router interfaces normally separate broadcast domains and forward toward remote prefixes. The case instead needs local inter-VLAN routing integrated into campus switching. A Layer 3 switch is designed for this combination of switching density and routing. The roles differ.
Answer A is incorrect because Endpoints sit at the network edge and use services; common examples include user computers, mobile devices, printers, and scanners. Its proper use differs: Choose endpoint when the described system is the client itself, not a network intermediary or shared application host. This case needs local inter-VLAN routing integrated into campus switching. A Layer 3 switch is designed for this combination of switching density and routing. It therefore fails here.
Question 13
A small branch needs a device to choose routes between its LAN and an ISP connection. Which network component is required? Choose ONE.
- Router
- Wireless access point
- Server
- Layer 2 switch
Correct Answer: A
Correct Answer
Answer A is correct because Routers make Layer 3 forwarding decisions from IP routes and move packets between separate IP networks. A router is the component responsible for forwarding between separate IP networks. Required outcome: Layer 3 forwarding between the branch LAN and provider network. This option fits.
Incorrect Answers
Answer D is incorrect because It suits local same-VLAN connectivity, not routing between different IP subnets. A Layer 2 switch learns source MAC addresses and uses its MAC table to forward Ethernet frames inside a VLAN. The case instead needs Layer 3 forwarding between the branch LAN and provider network. A router is the component responsible for forwarding between separate IP networks. The roles differ.
Answer B is incorrect because Access points provide the RF connection used by wireless stations, then connect those client frames to the distribution network. Its proper use differs: It fits the radio-access role, whereas centralized fleet policy belongs to a controller. This case needs Layer 3 forwarding between the branch LAN and provider network. A router is the component responsible for forwarding between separate IP networks. It therefore fails here.
Answer C is incorrect because A network server is an end system whose main role is to supply a shared service, rather than acting as an individual user’s client device. It fits a shared-service host, not a user endpoint or a device whose job is to forward network traffic. Here, the task is Layer 3 forwarding between the branch LAN and provider network. That mismatch rules it out.
Question 14
A security gateway must enforce web-category and application rules while also providing stateful firewall policy. Which component most directly satisfies the requirement? Choose ONE.
- Intrusion prevention system (IPS)
- Next-generation firewall
- Router
- Wireless/network controller
Correct Answer: B
Correct Answer
Answer B is correct because The combination of firewall policy and deeper application identification is a next-generation firewall role. NGFW policy can evaluate more than addresses and ports, adding application-aware and identity-aware inspection to stateful firewall controls. The required outcome is stateful firewalling with application-aware controls. The role matches.
Incorrect Answers
Answer A is incorrect because An intrusion prevention system inspects traffic for malicious signatures or behavior and, when inline, can drop or reset detected attack flows. Its proper use differs: It directly fits a requirement to detect and stop exploit traffic inline. This case needs stateful firewalling with application-aware controls. The combination of firewall policy and deeper application identification is a next-generation firewall role. It therefore fails here.
Answer C is incorrect because A router connects distinct IP subnets, selecting a next hop from its routing information rather than forwarding only by MAC address. Its natural use is path selection between subnets or remote networks. Here, the task is stateful firewalling with application-aware controls. The combination of firewall policy and deeper application identification is a next-generation firewall role. That option misses the required function.
Answer D is incorrect because It fits environments that need coordinated settings and operations across many access points. A wireless or network controller centralizes configuration, policy, monitoring, and often RF or lifecycle management for managed devices. The case instead needs stateful firewalling with application-aware controls. The combination of firewall policy and deeper application identification is a next-generation firewall role. The roles differ.
Question 15
A network team needs one system to push RF profiles and SSID settings to a large number of managed APs. Which component should be selected? Choose ONE.
- Wireless/network controller
- Wireless access point
- Server
- Layer 2 switch
Correct Answer: A
Correct Answer
Answer A is correct because Controllers coordinate a fleet of managed access points or other network devices from a common management and policy plane. The task requires centralized wireless fleet control. The controller coordinates policy and configuration across the AP fleet. It is the appropriate choice.
Incorrect Answers
Answer B is incorrect because The AP is the edge radio device that lets nearby 802.11 clients join the WLAN and reach the wired network. Choose it to provide local wireless coverage and association rather than to coordinate many APs centrally. Here, the task is centralized wireless fleet control. The controller coordinates policy and configuration across the AP fleet. That option misses the required function.
Answer D is incorrect because Use it when endpoints need Ethernet forwarding within one VLAN or broadcast domain. Layer 2 switching is MAC-based forwarding within the local broadcast domain; it does not require IP route lookup. The case instead needs centralized wireless fleet control. The controller coordinates policy and configuration across the AP fleet. The roles differ.
Answer C is incorrect because A server hosts shared applications, data, authentication, name resolution, or other services that network clients consume. Its proper use differs: It is appropriate when multiple clients depend on a hosted shared function. This case needs centralized wireless fleet control. The controller coordinates policy and configuration across the AP fleet. It therefore fails here.
Question 16
A new camera is connected to a switch and passes Ethernet traffic when powered by an external adapter, but it receives no power from the switch port. Which capability is missing or insufficient on the switch? Choose ONE.
- WAN architecture
- Cloud infrastructure
- Router
- Power over Ethernet (PoE)
Correct Answer: D
Correct Answer
Answer D is correct because With PoE, a PSE supplies electrical power across the Ethernet cable while the powered device receives both network data and operating power. The data path works, so the unresolved requirement is delivery of DC power over the copper Ethernet link. Required outcome: power sourcing over the Ethernet access port. This option fits.
Incorrect Answers
Answer A is incorrect because Choose WAN architecture when the main requirement is inter-site rather than within-building connectivity. WAN connectivity links separate geographic locations so their local networks can communicate across a metropolitan, regional, or global distance. The case instead needs power sourcing over the Ethernet access port. The data path works, so the unresolved requirement is delivery of DC power over the copper Ethernet link. The roles differ.
Answer B is incorrect because Cloud infrastructure supplies provider-hosted compute, storage, and networking resources that customers can provision without owning all underlying hardware. Its proper use differs: It fits rapid scaling, on-demand service consumption, or reduced ownership of physical infrastructure. This case needs power sourcing over the Ethernet access port. The data path works, so the unresolved requirement is delivery of DC power over the copper Ethernet link. It therefore fails here.
Answer C is incorrect because Routing operates across Layer 3 network boundaries; router interfaces normally separate broadcast domains and forward toward remote prefixes. Choose it when the needed function is inter-network IP forwarding rather than local Layer 2 switching. Here, the task is power sourcing over the Ethernet access port. The data path works, so the unresolved requirement is delivery of DC power over the copper Ethernet link. That option misses the required function.
Question 17
A new branch must connect its local IP subnet to headquarters across a WAN and also provide Wi-Fi access to employee laptops. Which TWO network components directly provide those two functions? Choose TWO.
- Wireless access point
- Router
- Wireless/network controller
- Layer 2 switch
- Server
Correct Answers: A, B
Correct Answers
Answer B is correct because A router provides Layer 3 forwarding between the branch LAN and remote networks by selecting routes toward headquarters. The requirement explicitly includes WAN reachability between IP networks, so a router supplies one of the two requested functions.
Answer A is correct because A wireless access point supplies the local 802.11 radio service that employee laptops use to associate with the WLAN and reach the wired LAN. That directly fulfills the branch Wi-Fi requirement, making it the second required component.
Incorrect Answers
Answer D is incorrect because A Layer 2 switch can aggregate wired devices and forward frames within local VLANs. It does not by itself route the branch subnet across the WAN or provide the 802.11 radio service requested, so it does not satisfy either named function.
Answer E is incorrect because A server hosts shared applications or infrastructure services for clients. The design question asks for inter-network forwarding and wireless client access, neither of which is inherently supplied by a general-purpose server in this branch topology.
Answer C is incorrect because A controller can centralize policy and configuration for managed access points, but it is not the local AP radio and it does not replace the router that forwards traffic toward headquarters. The two direct functions are therefore elsewhere.
Question 18
A network designer is validating a classic two-tier spine-leaf fabric. Which TWO statements describe the expected physical relationship between the switching tiers? Choose TWO.
- Each leaf switch connects directly to every other leaf switch
- Every spine switch connects directly to every other spine switch
- Spine switches are used as user access switches
- Each leaf switch connects to every spine switch
- Endpoints and servers attach at the leaf tier
Correct Answers: D, E
Correct Answers
Answer D is correct because Full leaf-to-spine connectivity is the defining cabling pattern of a classic two-tier spine-leaf fabric. It gives traffic between different leaves a consistent path through a spine and supports predictable horizontal scaling.
Answer E is correct because Leaf switches are the endpoint-facing tier in the classic fabric, so servers and other attached devices connect there while leaf uplinks lead to the spines. That matches the physical role separation in spine-leaf architecture.
Incorrect Answers
Answer A is incorrect because A classic spine-leaf fabric does not require a full mesh of leaf-to-leaf links. Traffic between leaves normally travels up to a spine and back down, so direct connectivity between every pair of leaves would change the intended topology.
Answer C is incorrect because Spines form the fabric backbone and interconnect leaf switches; they are not normally the endpoint access tier. Attaching ordinary users or servers to the spine layer would blur the role separation that defines the design.
Answer B is incorrect because Classic two-tier spine-leaf connectivity is complete between the leaf and spine tiers, not within the spine tier itself. Direct spine-to-spine links are not a defining requirement and are unnecessary for normal leaf-to-leaf forwarding.
Question 19
An access-layer design must power ceiling-mounted wireless access points from the wiring closet. Which TWO statements correctly describe the PoE relationship? Choose TWO.
- A Layer 3 route is required before PoE negotiation can begin
- Single-mode fiber carries the PoE power to the access point
- The access point can operate as a powered device
- The switch port can operate as power-sourcing equipment
- The wireless controller supplies DC power through the RF channel
Correct Answers: C, D
Correct Answers
Answer D is correct because A PoE-capable switch port can act as power-sourcing equipment (PSE), supplying DC power over supported copper Ethernet pairs while the same link carries data. That is the expected source role in this wiring-closet design.
Answer C is correct because A PoE-capable access point is a powered device (PD): it accepts electrical power from the PSE over the Ethernet cable and uses that power for its electronics and radios. This is the expected receiving role.
Incorrect Answers
Answer B is incorrect because Standard PoE depends on electrical conductors in copper Ethernet cabling. Single-mode fiber transports optical signals and does not provide the copper pairs needed to deliver PoE DC power, so it cannot satisfy this power path.
Answer E is incorrect because A wireless controller coordinates configuration and policy; it does not transmit operating power to an AP over radio waves. The AP needs a physical power source such as a PoE switch port, injector, or local supply.
Answer A is incorrect because PoE detection and power delivery occur at the physical link before IP routing is relevant. An access point can receive power even when it has no Layer 3 address or route, so routing is not a prerequisite.
Question 20
A network architect explains why routers are placed between IP subnets. Which TWO statements describe normal router behavior? Choose TWO.
- A router learns destination locations only from source MAC addresses
- A router selects a next hop by using Layer 3 forwarding information
- Routed interfaces normally separate Layer 2 broadcast domains
- A router forwards every Ethernet broadcast out all routed interfaces
- A router must provide an 802.11 radio interface for every connected subnet
Correct Answers: B, C
Correct Answers
Answer B is correct because Routers examine the destination IP address and use routing information to choose an outgoing interface or next hop. That Layer 3 path-selection function is fundamental to forwarding traffic between distinct IP networks.
Answer C is correct because A router does not normally flood local Layer 2 broadcasts from one routed interface to another. As a result, separate routed interfaces bound separate broadcast domains, which is one reason subnets are placed across a router.
Incorrect Answers
Answer D is incorrect because Flooding every Ethernet broadcast is not normal routed behavior. Routers ordinarily stop Layer 2 broadcasts at routed boundaries, so forwarding them across every routed interface would contradict the broadcast-domain separation described.
Answer A is incorrect because Source-MAC learning is a Layer 2 switching mechanism. Routers use Layer 3 route and forwarding information to reach IP prefixes; they do not build their IP forwarding decisions solely by observing Ethernet source MAC addresses.
Answer E is incorrect because IP routing is independent of whether a subnet reaches the router over Ethernet, wireless, or another supported interface. Wireless access points provide 802.11 radio access, so a radio is not a required router function.
