350-601 Network Practice Question
A data center spine-leaf architecture is designed to ensure low latency and high bandwidth. Which of the following best describes the role of the leaf switches in this topology?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that leaf switches perform routing and aggregation, when in fact they are access-layer switches that rely on spine switches for the Layer 3 fabric and external connectivity.
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
✓
Leaf switches connect to servers and provide access to the network, while spine switches provide the aggregation and routing fabric.
In a spine-leaf architecture, leaf switches serve as the access layer that connects directly to servers, storage, and other endpoints. They forward traffic to spine switches, which provide the Layer 3 routing fabric and ensure any-to-any connectivity with predictable latency. This design eliminates the need for Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and allows for efficient east-west traffic flow.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Leaf switches are used only for management traffic and do not forward data-plane traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Leaf switches forward both management and data traffic.
- ✗
Leaf switches provide the Layer 3 routing core and connect to external networks.
Why it's wrong here
Leaf switches typically handle Layer 2/3 functions for servers, but external connectivity often goes through border leaves or firewalls.
- ✓
Leaf switches connect to servers and provide access to the network, while spine switches provide the aggregation and routing fabric.
Why this is correct
Correct. Leaf switches are access switches connecting servers; spine switches form the fabric.
- ✗
Leaf switches interconnect all spine switches to provide any-to-any connectivity.
Why it's wrong here
Leaf switches connect to spine switches, not interconnect them.
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Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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