Question 307 of 2,015

Enterprise Network Design →mediumMultiple SelectObjective-mapped

CCNP Enterprise Network Design Practice Question

This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of enterprise network design. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.

Which two statements about the Cisco Enterprise Campus Architecture are true? (Choose two.)

Question 1mediummulti select

Full question →

A
The distribution layer provides policy-based connectivity and controls traffic flow between access and core layers.
Correct because the distribution layer is the policy enforcement boundary, implementing routing, QoS, and security policies.
B
The access layer is responsible for routing between VLANs and providing high-speed switching for the campus backbone.
Why wrong: Incorrect because routing between VLANs is typically done at the distribution layer, not the access layer.
C
The core layer should be designed for high-speed transport and minimal latency, avoiding CPU-intensive features like ACLs.
Correct because the core layer's primary role is fast, reliable transport; adding complex features would degrade performance.
D
A two-tier hierarchical design (collapsed core) is recommended for large campus networks with thousands of users.
Why wrong: Incorrect because a collapsed core design is more suitable for smaller networks; large campuses typically use a three-tier design.
E
The core layer should enforce security policies and perform packet inspection to protect the campus network.
Why wrong: Incorrect because security enforcement is a distribution layer function; the core should focus on speed and availability.

Full breakdown with real-world context →

Answer choices

Why each option matters

Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.

Correct answer & explanation

✓

The distribution layer provides policy-based connectivity and controls traffic flow between access and core layers.

The Cisco Enterprise Campus Architecture uses a hierarchical model to improve scalability, performance, and manageability. The access layer provides user and device connectivity, often with VLANs and PoE. The distribution layer aggregates access switches and provides policy enforcement, while the core layer provides high-speed transport. The collapsed core design merges core and distribution for smaller networks. Option A is correct because the distribution layer is indeed the policy enforcement point. Option C is correct because the core layer should be optimized for high-speed switching without complex policies. Option B is incorrect because the access layer typically does not perform routing between VLANs (that is a distribution layer function). Option D is incorrect because a two-tier design (collapsed core) is actually recommended for smaller campuses, not larger ones. Option E is incorrect because the core layer should not be used for security filtering, which is a distribution layer role.

Key principle: A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

✓
The distribution layer provides policy-based connectivity and controls traffic flow between access and core layers.
Why this is correct
Correct because the distribution layer is the policy enforcement boundary, implementing routing, QoS, and security policies.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
✗
The access layer is responsible for routing between VLANs and providing high-speed switching for the campus backbone.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because routing between VLANs is typically done at the distribution layer, not the access layer.
✓
The core layer should be designed for high-speed transport and minimal latency, avoiding CPU-intensive features like ACLs.
Why this is correct
Correct because the core layer's primary role is fast, reliable transport; adding complex features would degrade performance.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
✗
A two-tier hierarchical design (collapsed core) is recommended for large campus networks with thousands of users.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because a collapsed core design is more suitable for smaller networks; large campuses typically use a three-tier design.
✗
The core layer should enforce security policies and perform packet inspection to protect the campus network.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because security enforcement is a distribution layer function; the core should focus on speed and availability.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: an active trunk can still block the VLAN you need

A trunk being up does not prove every VLAN is crossing it. Check allowed VLAN lists, native VLAN mismatch, VLAN existence and access-port assignment.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

VLAN questions usually combine access-port and trunking clues. The key is to identify whether the issue is local to one switchport, caused by the trunk, or caused by the VLAN not existing where it needs to exist.

KKey Concepts to Remember

Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
Trunk ports carry multiple VLANs between switches.
Allowed VLAN lists decide which VLANs can cross a trunk.
Native VLAN mismatch can create confusing symptoms.

TExam Day Tips

Use show vlan brief to verify access VLANs.
Use show interfaces trunk to verify trunk state and allowed VLANs.
Do not treat every same-VLAN issue as a routing problem.

Key takeaway

A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.

Real-world example

How this comes up in practice

A help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.

What to study next

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 350-401 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this 350-401 question test?

Enterprise Network Design — This question tests Enterprise Network Design — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: The distribution layer provides policy-based connectivity and controls traffic flow between access and core layers. — The Cisco Enterprise Campus Architecture uses a hierarchical model to improve scalability, performance, and manageability. The access layer provides user and device connectivity, often with VLANs and PoE. The distribution layer aggregates access switches and provides policy enforcement, while the core layer provides high-speed transport. The collapsed core design merges core and distribution for smaller networks. Option A is correct because the distribution layer is indeed the policy enforcement point. Option C is correct because the core layer should be optimized for high-speed switching without complex policies. Option B is incorrect because the access layer typically does not perform routing between VLANs (that is a distribution layer function). Option D is incorrect because a two-tier design (collapsed core) is actually recommended for smaller campuses, not larger ones. Option E is incorrect because the core layer should not be used for security filtering, which is a distribution layer role.

What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?

What is the key concept behind this question?

Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.

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