- A
Move all devices into one larger subnet and rely on endpoint antivirus for separation.
Why wrong: This removes any network-level containment and depends too heavily on endpoint detection after compromise occurs.
- B
Create separate VLANs for device groups and apply inter-VLAN ACLs that permit only required traffic.
This limits reachability between device classes while still allowing necessary business traffic such as printing and VoIP signaling.
- C
Place all devices behind a single proxy server and block all internal east-west traffic.
Why wrong: A proxy does not solve internal segmentation for printers and phones, and blocking all east-west traffic would break normal operations.
- D
Enable port security on the switch and disable all VLAN tagging to reduce complexity.
Why wrong: Port security may help with some access control, but it does not provide the needed policy separation across device types.
SY0-701 Security Architecture Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of security architecture. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. A key principle to apply: vLANs logically segment a network into separate broadcast domains.. 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 branch office has users, finance workstations, printers, and IP phones on one flat LAN. After a malware outbreak on a user PC, management wants to limit lateral movement without blocking printing or voice traffic. What should the network team implement?
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
Create separate VLANs for device groups and apply inter-VLAN ACLs that permit only required traffic.
Option B is correct because segmenting devices into separate VLANs (e.g., users, finance, printers, IP phones) and applying inter-VLAN ACLs restricts lateral movement by default while permitting only necessary traffic like printing (TCP 9100) and voice (RTP/UDP 16384-32767). This aligns with the principle of least privilege and zero trust segmentation, preventing malware from spreading across the flat LAN without disrupting critical services.
Key principle: VLANs logically segment a network into separate broadcast domains.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Move all devices into one larger subnet and rely on endpoint antivirus for separation.
Why it's wrong here
This removes any network-level containment and depends too heavily on endpoint detection after compromise occurs.
- ✓
Create separate VLANs for device groups and apply inter-VLAN ACLs that permit only required traffic.
Why this is correct
This limits reachability between device classes while still allowing necessary business traffic such as printing and VoIP signaling.
Related concept
VLANs logically segment a network into separate broadcast domains.
- ✗
Place all devices behind a single proxy server and block all internal east-west traffic.
Why it's wrong here
A proxy does not solve internal segmentation for printers and phones, and blocking all east-west traffic would break normal operations.
- ✗
Enable port security on the switch and disable all VLAN tagging to reduce complexity.
Why it's wrong here
Port security may help with some access control, but it does not provide the needed policy separation across device types.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'limiting lateral movement' with 'blocking all east-west traffic,' forgetting that printing and voice require specific peer-to-peer flows that a proxy or full-block would break.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
VLANs create separate Layer 2 broadcast domains, forcing inter-VLAN traffic through a Layer 3 device (router or Layer 3 switch) where ACLs can filter based on source/destination IP, protocol, and port. For example, a printer VLAN can be allowed to receive print jobs from user VLANs via TCP 9100 (JetDirect) but blocked from initiating connections to finance workstations. Voice traffic uses RTP over UDP in ephemeral ports (typically 16384-32767), which must be explicitly permitted to avoid call quality issues. This approach is formalized in IEEE 802.1Q for VLAN tagging and RFC 1918 for private addressing.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- VLANs logically segment a network into separate broadcast domains.
- ACLs filter traffic between VLANs, enforcing access policies.
- Inter-VLAN routing is required for communication between different VLANs.
- Network segmentation limits lateral movement and reduces the attack surface.
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
VLANs logically segment a network into separate broadcast domains.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. VLANs logically segment a network into separate broadcast domains. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
Security Architecture — This question tests Security Architecture — VLANs logically segment a network into separate broadcast domains..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create separate VLANs for device groups and apply inter-VLAN ACLs that permit only required traffic. — Option B is correct because segmenting devices into separate VLANs (e.g., users, finance, printers, IP phones) and applying inter-VLAN ACLs restricts lateral movement by default while permitting only necessary traffic like printing (TCP 9100) and voice (RTP/UDP 16384-32767). This aligns with the principle of least privilege and zero trust segmentation, preventing malware from spreading across the flat LAN without disrupting critical services.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 question wrong?
Review vLANs logically segment a network into separate broadcast domains., then practise related SY0-701 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
VLANs logically segment a network into separate broadcast domains.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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