300-420 Question 63
Single answerAn enterprise network design requires high availability, scalability, and efficient Layer 2 operation in the campus network. The company wants to minimize convergence time during link or node failures while ensuring redundant paths. Which design approach should you recommend for the Layer 2 domain?
- A
Implement Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) with Rapid PVST+ across all switches.
- B
Deploy Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation (MC-LAG) for critical uplinks.
- C
Use Cisco StackWise Virtual technology for core switches.
- D
Configure Layer 2 loop-free designs by using routed access with EIGRP.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Cisco StackWise Virtual is the most suitable solution for achieving high availability, scalability, and efficient Layer 2 operation in an enterprise campus network. It eliminates the need for STP in the core layer, provides faster convergence, and ensures seamless redundancy by enabling multiple switches to function as a single logical entity. Other options either fail to meet all the design requirements or involve a fundamentally different approach that may not align with the scenario's constraints.
- A. Incorrect.
While Rapid PVST+ improves convergence time compared to traditional STP, it still introduces limitations with blocked links and slower recovery compared to modern solutions like StackWise Virtual. It is not the most optimal choice for high availability and scalability.
- B. Incorrect.
MC-LAG can provide redundancy and load balancing for specific links, but it operates at the interface level and does not address the overall scalability and convergence needs of the entire Layer 2 domain.
- C. Correct.
Cisco StackWise Virtual allows two core switches to act as a single logical switch, simplifying Layer 2 operation, eliminating STP blocks, and accelerating convergence. This design aligns with the requirements for high availability, scalability, and efficient operation.
- D. Incorrect.
While routed access with EIGRP eliminates Layer 2 loops by using only Layer 3 links, it fundamentally redesigns the access layer to operate as Layer 3. This might not be suitable if the requirement specifically asks for efficient Layer 2 operation.