The answer is to connect the IDS to a network tap or a spanned (SPAN/mirror) port on the core switch. This passive deployment allows the IDS to receive a copy of all traffic entering and exiting the network without being placed in the data path, which means it never forwards or blocks packets—introducing zero latency and eliminating a single point of failure since the network continues to operate if the IDS fails. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this concept tests your understanding of the difference between passive monitoring (IDS) and inline prevention (IPS); a common trap is confusing the two by placing an IDS inline, which would create latency and a failure point. Remember the memory tip: “Passive IDS copies, never stops”—if it’s not in the flow, it won’t slow the show.
N10-009 Network Security Practice Question
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of network security. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 security team is deploying a new intrusion detection system (IDS) and wants to analyze all traffic entering and exiting the network without introducing latency or a single point of failure. How should the IDS be connected to the network?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Connected to a network tap or spanned port on the core switch
Connecting the IDS to a network tap or a spanned port (SPAN/mirror port) on the core switch allows it to receive a copy of all traffic entering and exiting the network without being in the data path. This passive deployment introduces zero latency because the IDS never forwards or blocks traffic, and it eliminates a single point of failure since the network continues to operate if the IDS fails or is taken offline.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Inline between the firewall and the core switch
Why it's wrong here
Inline placement introduces latency and a potential point of failure; IDSs typically operate out-of-band.
✓
Connected to a network tap or spanned port on the core switch
Why this is correct
Using a network tap or SPAN port allows the IDS to passively listen to traffic without affecting the data path.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Directly connected to the internet router
Why it's wrong here
This would only see traffic going through that specific router, not all traffic, and could be inline.
✗
Connected to the management network
Why it's wrong here
Management network traffic is only administrative; it would not capture user data traffic.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between inline (active) and passive (out-of-band) deployments, and the trap here is that candidates mistakenly choose inline placement because they think the IDS must 'see' all traffic by being in the path, ignoring the latency and single-point-of-failure consequences.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A network tap physically splits the signal, sending the original traffic to the destination and a copy to the IDS, ensuring zero packet loss even under full line rate. SPAN ports on switches can drop packets under high utilization due to CPU or buffer limitations, so in high-throughput environments a dedicated tap is preferred. Real-world deployments often use a combination of taps for critical links and SPAN for lower-priority segments to balance cost and reliability.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this N10-009 question in full detail.
Network Security — This question tests Network Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Connected to a network tap or spanned port on the core switch — Connecting the IDS to a network tap or a spanned port (SPAN/mirror port) on the core switch allows it to receive a copy of all traffic entering and exiting the network without being in the data path. This passive deployment introduces zero latency because the IDS never forwards or blocks traffic, and it eliminates a single point of failure since the network continues to operate if the IDS fails or is taken offline.
What should I do if I get this N10-009 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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