ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)Network SecurityMedium
A network administrator is troubleshooting connectivity issues in a corporate office. They observe that devices on different floors cannot communicate with each other, even though they are all connected to the same physical network infrastructure. What network topology characteristic might be causing this issue if logical separation is intended?
- AStar topology
- BBus topology
- CVLANs
- DMesh topology
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. VLANs
VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) are used to logically segment a network, meaning devices on different VLANs cannot communicate without a Layer 3 device (router), even if on the same physical switch.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Star topology is a physical layout; devices connected to the central hub/switch can communicate.
- B. Bus topology is a physical layout; it doesn't inherently prevent communication between devices on the same physical segment.
- D. Mesh topology is a physical layout designed for redundancy and direct communication, not logical separation.
VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network)
A logical grouping of network devices that allows them to communicate as if they were on the same physical LAN, regardless of their physical location.
- Segments a single physical switch into multiple virtual switches.
- Improves security by isolating traffic.
- Enhances network performance by reducing broadcast domains.
Memory trick: VLANs Virtually Limit, Physical Topologies Place.