300-420 Question 41
Single answerAn enterprise network is designed with two WAN links connecting a branch office to the headquarters. The design requires load sharing between the two links to optimize bandwidth utilization while ensuring network redundancy. Which of the following design considerations is MOST important for achieving effective load sharing in this scenario?
- A
Ensure both WAN links have the same bandwidth and delay characteristics.
- B
Configure routing protocols to prefer one link over the other as a backup.
- C
Implement Equal-Cost Multi-Path (ECMP) routing for traffic distribution across the links.
- D
Use policy-based routing to manually define traffic distribution rules.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Load sharing in enterprise networks can be effectively achieved by implementing Equal-Cost Multi-Path (ECMP) routing. ECMP allows traffic to be distributed across multiple equal-cost paths, optimizing bandwidth utilization while maintaining redundancy. Other options, such as policy-based routing or preferring one link as backup, either lack scalability or fail to achieve true load sharing. Ensuring equal link characteristics may help simplify configuration but is not a requirement for load sharing.
- A. Incorrect.
While having consistent bandwidth and delay characteristics can simplify configuration, it is not mandatory for load sharing. Routing protocols like ECMP can still distribute traffic effectively even with unequal link characteristics.
- B. Incorrect.
Configuring routing protocols to prefer one link over the other does not achieve load sharing. This approach prioritizes redundancy over bandwidth optimization.
- C. Correct.
Equal-Cost Multi-Path (ECMP) routing is the most effective approach for load sharing in this scenario. ECMP distributes traffic across multiple equal-cost paths, ensuring efficient bandwidth utilization while maintaining redundancy.
- D. Incorrect.
Policy-based routing can be used for specific traffic distribution needs, but it is not as scalable or efficient as ECMP for general load-sharing scenarios.