100-150 Practice Question: Which TWO of the following are primary benefits of implementing a hierarchical network…
Which TWO of the following are primary benefits of implementing a hierarchical network design like the Cisco Three-Tier Model?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently choose answers related to lowering hardware costs or increasing raw end-user throughput, forgetting that hierarchical design primarily targets scalability and troubleshooting.
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
✓
It provides improved scalability and modularity.
Hierarchical designs provide scalability, modularity, and simplified management by dividing the network into Core, Distribution, and Access layers. This structure limits the scope of failure domains and makes troubleshooting more predictable. Mastering these concepts is essential for building robust networks that can grow with organizational needs without requiring a complete redesign of the underlying topology or complex routing protocols.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
It eliminates the need for routing protocols.
Why it's wrong here
Hierarchical networks depend on routing, especially at the distribution and core layers, where routed links and protocols such as OSPF or EIGRP provide fast convergence and load sharing. The design's structure actually makes routing more effective, for example by allowing route summarisation at distribution boundaries. It never removes the need for routing protocols.
- ✓
It provides improved scalability and modularity.
Why this is correct
Each layer has a defined role: access connects users, distribution aggregates and applies policy, and core moves traffic quickly between blocks. New buildings or floors are added as new access and distribution blocks connected to the core, without redesigning the rest of the network, so growth is predictable and modular, and each block can be standardised and replicated.
- ✓
It simplifies fault isolation and troubleshooting.
Why this is correct
Because each layer has a specific job and traffic follows predictable paths, problems are easier to locate and contain: a fault in one access block affects only that block. Consistent configurations within each layer simplify comparison and troubleshooting, and smaller failure domains limit how far an outage spreads, reducing the time needed to find and fix problems.
- ✗
It completely prevents all Layer 2 loops.
Why it's wrong here
Hierarchical design limits the size of Layer 2 domains, often keeping VLANs within an access block and using routed links upward, which greatly reduces loop risk. But wherever redundant Layer 2 paths remain, for example between access and distribution switches, spanning tree or another loop prevention mechanism is still required. The design manages loops; it does not eliminate them.
- ✗
It ensures that all devices use a flat addressing scheme.
Why it's wrong here
A hierarchical design uses hierarchical, structured addressing, such as a block of subnets per building or distribution pair, so routes can be summarised at layer boundaries, keeping routing tables small and limiting the impact of changes. A flat addressing scheme is the opposite and scales poorly, which is one of the problems hierarchy is meant to solve.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Security Systems Architect · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
This 100-150 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 100-150 exam.