Quick Answer
The correct answer is VLANs and routers with ACLs, as these two technologies provide network segmentation at different layers of the OSI model. VLANs segment a network at Layer 2 by logically grouping devices into separate broadcast domains, isolating traffic even when devices share the same physical switch. Routers with ACLs segment at Layer 3 and Layer 4 by filtering traffic based on IP addresses and port numbers, effectively creating distinct security zones or subnets. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this question tests your understanding of how segmentation reduces attack surfaces and enforces security policies—a core domain objective. A common trap is confusing VLANs as a Layer 3 technology or overlooking that ACLs alone do not segment without a router. Remember the memory tip: VLANs chop at Layer 2, ACLs filter at Layers 3 and 4.
This CC practice question tests your understanding of network security. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
Which TWO technologies provide network segmentation? (Choose two.)
Firewalls
Why wrong: Firewalls enforce security policies but are not the primary means of network segmentation.
Hubs
Why wrong: Hubs operate at Layer 1 and do not segment the network.
Routers with ACLs
Routers can segment networks based on IP addresses and ACLs.
Switches
Why wrong: Switches segment collision domains but not broadcast domains.
VLANs
VLANs create separate broadcast domains on a switch.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Routers with ACLs
Routers with ACLs (Access Control Lists) provide network segmentation by filtering traffic based on Layer 3 (IP addresses) and Layer 4 (port numbers) criteria, effectively dividing a network into separate security zones or subnets. VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) segment a network at Layer 2 by logically grouping devices into separate broadcast domains, even if they share the same physical switch. Both technologies isolate traffic to enforce security policies and reduce attack surfaces.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Firewalls
Why it's wrong here
Firewalls enforce security policies but are not the primary means of network segmentation.
Hubs
Why it's wrong here
Hubs operate at Layer 1 and do not segment the network.
Routers with ACLs
Why this is correct
Routers can segment networks based on IP addresses and ACLs.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Switches
Why it's wrong here
Switches segment collision domains but not broadcast domains.
VLANs
Why this is correct
VLANs create separate broadcast domains on a switch.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
ISC2 often tests the misconception that switches inherently segment networks, but without VLANs, a standard switch creates a single broadcast domain; the trap is that candidates confuse switching (forwarding) with segmentation (isolation).
Detailed technical explanation
Routers with ACLs segment networks by applying permit/deny rules to traffic crossing subnet boundaries, using extended ACLs (e.g., access-list 100 permit tcp 192.168.1.0 0.0.0.255 any eq 80) to control inter-VLAN routing. VLANs implement 802.1Q trunking to tag frames, allowing multiple logical networks on a single physical switch, with each VLAN having its own isolated MAC address table and spanning-tree instance. In real-world scenarios, combining VLANs for Layer 2 segmentation and router ACLs for Layer 3 filtering is a common design for DMZ or guest network isolation.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. 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
Network Security — This question tests Network Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Routers with ACLs — Routers with ACLs (Access Control Lists) provide network segmentation by filtering traffic based on Layer 3 (IP addresses) and Layer 4 (port numbers) criteria, effectively dividing a network into separate security zones or subnets. VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) segment a network at Layer 2 by logically grouping devices into separate broadcast domains, even if they share the same physical switch. Both technologies isolate traffic to enforce security policies and reduce attack surfaces.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This CC practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 CC exam.
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