Cisco CCNA (200-301)Network FundamentalsHard
A network administrator needs to implement a network where a single broadcast domain encompasses multiple physical switches. However, each department connected to these switches must be logically separated from other departments, even if they share the same physical switch. Which technology should be used to achieve this segmentation?
- ALink Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP)
- BSpanning Tree Protocol (STP)
- CNetwork Address Translation (NAT)
- DVirtual Local Area Networks (VLANs)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs)
Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) allow for the logical segmentation of a single physical network into multiple broadcast domains. Devices within the same VLAN can communicate, but devices in different VLANs require a Layer 3 device (router or Layer 3 switch) to communicate, even if they are connected to the same physical switch.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. LACP bundles multiple physical links into a single logical link for increased bandwidth and redundancy, not for logical segmentation.
- B. STP prevents loops in a switched network but does not provide logical segmentation of broadcast domains.
- C. NAT translates IP addresses, primarily for internet access or merging networks, not for creating logical segments within a switched network.
Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN)
A VLAN is a logical grouping of network devices that allows them to communicate as if they were on the same physical segment, regardless of their actual physical location, creating separate broadcast domains.
- Segments a physical LAN into multiple logical broadcast domains.
- Improves security and network performance.
- Requires a Layer 3 device (router/L3 switch) for inter-VLAN communication.
Memory trick: VLANs are like virtual rooms in a big house, keeping departments separate.