hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
Client-Server LAN vs Peer-to-Peer Explained
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?
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.
⚠ Common exam trap
The 220-1201 exam often tests the distinction between LAN and WAN by embedding VLANs in a single-site scenario; the trap here is assuming that VLANs imply multiple locations (WAN/MAN) rather than recognizing that VLANs are a LAN segmentation technique that can exist within a single building.
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.
The architecture is a client-server LAN because all department switches connect to a central core switch, which provides centralized routing and management. VLAN segmentation isolates traffic for finance, HR, and engineering, and the core switch performs inter-VLAN routing (typically using a router-on-a-stick or Layer 3 switch with SVIs) to allow controlled communication between VLANs. This design is a classic hierarchical LAN topology, not a peer-to-peer, WAN, or MAN.
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.
- ✗
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.
Visual reference
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Networking Hardware: Routers, Switches, APs
Key term
MAN
A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a computer network that spans a geographic area larger than a local area network (LAN) but smaller than a wide area network (WAN), typically covering a city or a large campus.
Key term
VLAN
A VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) is a logical grouping of network devices that behave as if they are on the same physical network segment, regardless of their actual physical location.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way 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: A peer-to-peer (P2P) network typically uses workgroups and relies on each device to share resources individually. The TV can stream from the internet (using a client-server model with a remote streaming service) but cannot access local files because the PC may be in a different workgroup, have file sharing disabled, or require SMB/CIFS authentication that the TV cannot perform. Since both devices are on the same IP subnet, the issue is not routing but rather the lack of a centralized authentication or discovery mechanism, which is characteristic of a P2P network.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA 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 220-1201 exam.