350-401 Question 1
Select 2An enterprise is designing a new campus network and wants to ensure scalability, high availability, and easy management. The design team has chosen a three-tier hierarchical architecture. Which of the following are the primary functions of the core layer in this architecture?
- A
Providing high-speed switching to ensure fast transport between distribution layers
- B
Aggregating access layer devices and providing policy-based connectivity
- C
Ensuring fault isolation at the access layer
- D
Delivering redundancy and failover capabilities to maintain network uptime
- E
Connecting the enterprise network to external networks, such as the internet
Show answer and explanation
Correct answers: A, D
Explanation
The three-tier hierarchical design divides the enterprise network into core, distribution, and access layers. The core layer's primary focus is on high-speed, reliable switching and redundancy to ensure efficient data transport between distribution layers. It does not handle policy enforcement or device aggregation, which are responsibilities of the distribution layer, or external connectivity, which is typically handled by the edge layer.
- A. Correct.
Correct: The core layer serves as the backbone of the network, focusing on high-speed switching and fast transport between distribution layers.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect: Aggregating access layer devices and enforcing policies are functions of the distribution layer, not the core layer.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect: Fault isolation is a feature of the access layer, where devices are closer to end users and localized failures can be contained.
- D. Correct.
Correct: Redundancy and failover capabilities are critical functions of the core layer to ensure the network remains operational even during failures.
- E. Incorrect.
Incorrect: Connecting to external networks is typically a function of the edge or border layer, not the core layer.