CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)Networking ConceptsHard
A data center architect is designing a new fabric where every leaf switch connects to every spine switch, but leaf switches do not connect directly to each other, ensuring predictable low-latency paths for east-west traffic between servers. Which topology is being implemented?
- AFull mesh topology
- BStar topology
- CRing topology
- DSpine-leaf topology
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Spine-leaf topology
Spine-leaf topology is a two-tier data center design where every leaf switch connects to every spine switch, providing consistent, low-latency, non-blocking paths for server-to-server (east-west) traffic.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Full mesh connects every device to every other device directly, which is not how spine-leaf leaf switches interconnect.
- B. Star topology has a single central device connecting all endpoints, not a two-tier fabric.
- C. Ring topology connects devices in a closed loop, unrelated to this two-tier fabric design.
Spine-Leaf Topology
A data center network architecture where leaf switches (connected to servers) each connect to every spine switch, providing predictable, low-latency east-west traffic paths.
- Two-tier design: spine and leaf switches
- Every leaf connects to every spine
- Optimized for east-west (server-to-server) traffic in data centers
Memory trick: Spine-leaf: 'leaves reach every branch of the spine, never each other'.