Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Entry-level Technician (PCCET)Network SecurityMedium
A network technician is troubleshooting a connectivity issue where a new workstation cannot obtain an IP address from the DHCP server. The workstation is connected to a switch port configured for a specific VLAN, but the DHCP server is on a different VLAN. What network component is required to allow the workstation to communicate with the DHCP server across VLANs?
- AHub
- BRepeater
- CLayer 2 Switch
- DRouter
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Router
VLANs segment broadcast domains, and communication between different VLANs requires a Layer 3 device, such as a router or a Layer 3 switch, to perform routing functions.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A hub is a Layer 1 device and does not understand VLANs or routing.
- B. A repeater is a Layer 1 device that extends signal range and does not understand VLANs or routing.
- C. A Layer 2 switch can create and manage VLANs, but it cannot route traffic between different VLANs without a Layer 3 interface or an external router.
Inter-VLAN Routing
The process of forwarding network traffic from one Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) to another through a Layer 3 device, such as a router or a Layer 3 switch.
- VLANs create separate broadcast domains.
- A router or Layer 3 switch is needed to route traffic between VLANs.
- Router-on-a-stick is a common method using one physical interface to route multiple VLANs.
Memory trick: VLANs are like separate rooms; you need a door to go between them.