N10-009 Question 167
Single answerNetwork types: Mesh networks, Ad hoc, Point to point, InfrastructureA construction company is deploying temporary network connectivity at a large outdoor job site. There is no existing wired network across the site, and workers need continuous wireless access to a central file server located in the site office trailer. The site includes multiple steel structures that can block radio signals, and some devices may be out of direct range of the office trailer. The network team wants client devices to remain connected even if traffic must pass through intermediate wireless nodes. Which network type is the best fit for this requirement?
- A
Mesh network
- B
Ad hoc network
- C
Point-to-point network
- D
Infrastructure network
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The best answer is mesh network because the requirement centers on multi-hop wireless communication across a temporary site with obstacles and uneven coverage. In a mesh topology, nodes can forward traffic for one another, extending reach beyond a single access point's radio coverage and improving resiliency in dynamic environments. By contrast, ad hoc mode is peer-to-peer and typically limited in scale and manageability, point-to-point is for a single dedicated link between two endpoints, and infrastructure mode depends on clients connecting directly to an access point rather than relaying traffic through peers. This aligns with common wireless design guidance and Network+ objectives that distinguish wireless network types by how devices connect and how traffic is forwarded.
- A. Correct.
Correct. A mesh network is designed so traffic can be relayed through intermediate nodes, which is useful when some devices are not within direct range of the central location or when obstacles interfere with signal propagation. This makes mesh a strong choice for temporary, distributed outdoor deployments where extending coverage and maintaining connectivity across a changing environment are important.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. An ad hoc network allows devices to connect directly to each other without an access point, but it does not typically provide the structured, scalable multi-hop connectivity needed to reliably reach a central file server across a large obstructed site. Candidates may choose this because it is also useful in temporary environments, but ad hoc is generally better for small peer-to-peer setups than for broad site coverage.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A point-to-point network connects exactly two endpoints, such as two buildings linked by a dedicated wireless bridge. It is not appropriate here because many client devices across the site need access, and some devices require connectivity through multiple intermediate nodes rather than a single direct link.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. An infrastructure network uses centralized access points to provide connectivity to clients, which is common in offices and standard WLAN deployments. However, the scenario specifically states that some devices are out of direct range and may need traffic forwarded through intermediate wireless nodes. Traditional infrastructure mode does not describe that multi-hop node-to-node forwarding behavior.