Question 54 of 1,020

Network Types →hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

Quick Answer

The answer is a client-server LAN with VLAN segmentation, because the hierarchical design with a central core switch managing inter-VLAN routing mirrors the dedicated server model where the core switch acts as the central authority for traffic between departments. This architecture is a classic client-server LAN, not peer-to-peer, since the core switch provides centralized routing and control, while VLANs logically isolate finance, HR, and engineering traffic for security and performance. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this tests your understanding of network topologies and VLANs—a common trap is confusing VLAN segmentation with a peer-to-peer setup, but remember that peer-to-peer lacks a central device and is flat, not hierarchical. A key memory tip: think of the core switch as the “server” that routes between VLANs, just like a server manages client requests, so “core equals central control” for the exam.

220-1201 Network Types Practice Question

This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network types. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.

A company deploys a network where each department has its own switch, and all switches connect to a central core switch. The network uses VLANs to separate traffic for finance, HR, and engineering. Which network type best describes the overall architecture, and what is a key characteristic?

Clue words in this question

Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.

Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.

Question 1hardmultiple choice

Open the full VLAN trunking answer →

A
Peer-to-peer network; each department shares resources directly.
Why wrong: Peer-to-peer networks lack central management and VLAN capability; this hierarchical design is client-server.
B
Client-server LAN with VLAN segmentation; the core switch routes between VLANs.
A client-server LAN uses central devices like switches and routers; VLANs logically separate traffic, and the core switch handles inter-VLAN routing.
C
Wide area network (WAN); the departments are in different locations.
Why wrong: All departments are in the same building, connected to a core switch, so this is a LAN, not a WAN.
D
Metropolitan area network (MAN); the switches are spread across a city.
Why wrong: The scenario describes a single location with a core switch, not a city-wide network.

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

✓

Client-server LAN with VLAN segmentation; the core switch routes between VLANs.

This is a client-server LAN with a hierarchical design (access, distribution, core layers). VLANs logically segment traffic within the same physical LAN, improving security and performance. The core switch acts as a central server-like device, managing inter-VLAN routing. This architecture is typical in medium to large businesses.

Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

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

✗
Peer-to-peer network; each department shares resources directly.
Why it's wrong here
Peer-to-peer networks lack central management and VLAN capability; this hierarchical design is client-server.
✓
Client-server LAN with VLAN segmentation; the core switch routes between VLANs.
Why this is correct
A client-server LAN uses central devices like switches and routers; VLANs logically separate traffic, and the core switch handles inter-VLAN routing.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
✗
Wide area network (WAN); the departments are in different locations.
Why it's wrong here
All departments are in the same building, connected to a core switch, so this is a LAN, not a WAN.
✗
Metropolitan area network (MAN); the switches are spread across a city.
Why it's wrong here
The scenario describes a single location with a core switch, not a city-wide network.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: OSPF can fail even when IP connectivity looks correct

OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.

Trap categories for this question

Scenario analysis trap
The scenario describes a single location with a core switch, not a city-wide network.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.

KKey Concepts to Remember

OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
Router ID selection can affect neighbour relationships and LSDB output.
OSPF cost influences the preferred path.
A route can appear in OSPF information but not become the installed route.

TExam Day Tips

Check area mismatch first when OSPF adjacency fails.
Review passive interfaces when a network is advertised but no neighbour forms.
Use show ip ospf neighbor and show ip route clues carefully.

Key takeaway

OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.

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 OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 220-1201 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this 220-1201 question test?

Network Types — This question tests Network Types — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: Client-server LAN with VLAN segmentation; the core switch routes between VLANs. — This is a client-server LAN with a hierarchical design (access, distribution, core layers). VLANs logically segment traffic within the same physical LAN, improving security and performance. The core switch acts as a central server-like device, managing inter-VLAN routing. This architecture is typical in medium to large businesses.

What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?

Are there clue words in this question I should notice?

Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.

What is the key concept behind this question?

OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.

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Same concept, more angles

1 more ways this is tested on 220-1201

These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.

Variation 1. A customer reports that their smart TV, which is connected to the home network via Wi-Fi, can stream video from the internet but cannot access media files stored on a wired desktop PC in the same home. The TV and PC are on the same IP subnet. Which network type is most likely being used, and why does this cause the issue?

easy

A.Client-server network; the TV cannot authenticate to the server.
✓ B.Peer-to-peer network; the TV and PC may be in different workgroups or have disabled file sharing.
C.Mesh network; the TV is connected to a different mesh node that blocks local traffic.
D.PAN network; the TV is using Bluetooth instead of Wi-Fi.

Why B: This scenario describes a peer-to-peer (P2P) network where devices communicate directly without a central server. The issue likely stems from the TV and PC using different workgroup names or file-sharing settings, which is common in P2P home networks. Understanding P2P vs. client-server helps troubleshoot local resource access problems.

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