N10-009 Network Implementation Practice Question

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

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

• ✗

  Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)

  Why it's wrong here

  Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), defined by IEEE 802.1D, is designed to prevent network loops in redundant Ethernet topologies by selectively blocking redundant paths. Its primary function is to ensure a loop-free logical topology, which is critical for stable network operation by preventing broadcast storms and MAC table instability. However, by blocking redundant links to achieve this, STP actively prevents the utilization of those links for increased bandwidth, making it unsuitable for aggregating throughput.

  When this WOULD be correct

  When the question asks for preventing broadcast storms and loops in a redundant switched network, STP is the correct answer.

• ✓

  Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP)

  Why this is correct

  Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), defined by IEEE 802.3ad, is a standard protocol that dynamically negotiates and manages the bundling of multiple physical Ethernet links into a single logical channel, often called a port channel or EtherChannel. This aggregation significantly increases the total available bandwidth between the two switches by distributing traffic across all active links. Furthermore, LACP provides automatic failover; if one physical link within the bundle fails, traffic is seamlessly redistributed among the remaining operational links, ensuring continuous connectivity and enhanced redundancy.

• ✗

  VLAN trunking (802.1Q)

  Why it's wrong here

  IEEE 802.1Q, commonly known as VLAN trunking, is a standard for tagging Ethernet frames with VLAN identification, enabling a single physical link to carry traffic for multiple virtual local area networks. While essential for inter-VLAN communication across switches, it does not increase the aggregate bandwidth of the physical link itself. Instead, it multiplexes different VLAN traffic flows over that single link, which can become a bottleneck if not properly sized, rather than combining multiple links for higher throughput.

  When this WOULD be correct

  A network administrator needs to connect two switches and allow traffic from multiple VLANs to traverse the same link. The correct technology would be VLAN trunking (802.1Q).

• ✗

  Power over Ethernet (PoE)

  Why it's wrong here

  Power over Ethernet (PoE) is an IEEE 802.3af/at/bt standard that allows electrical power to be transmitted along with data on standard Ethernet cabling. Its purpose is to power devices like IP phones, wireless access points, or security cameras without requiring a separate power outlet. PoE is solely concerned with power delivery and has absolutely no mechanism or function related to increasing network bandwidth, aggregating links, or providing network redundancy between switches.

  When this WOULD be correct

  A network administrator needs to power multiple IP cameras connected to a switch without running separate power cables. PoE would be the correct technology to configure on the switch ports.

Option-by-option analysis

Why each answer is right or wrong

Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The N10-009 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.

Analysis generated from the official N10-009blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”

Go deeper

Related to this question