- A
Place a firewall between each security zone to enforce traffic filtering.
Firewalls enforce policies between zones.
- B
Use a single flat network to reduce complexity.
Why wrong: Flat networks lack segmentation.
- C
Implement VLANs to logically separate traffic within a switch.
VLANs provide logical segmentation.
- D
Disable logging on inter-zone firewalls to improve performance.
Why wrong: Logging is crucial for security monitoring.
- E
Place all servers in the same broadcast domain for easier management.
Why wrong: This increases attack surface.
Question 242 of 1,000
SSCP Network and Communications Security Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of network and communications security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 company is designing a network with multiple security zones. Which TWO of the following are best practices for network segmentation? (Select TWO)
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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
✓
Place a firewall between each security zone to enforce traffic filtering.
Placing firewalls between zones and using VLANs for logical separation are key segmentation practices. DMZ is a specific zone, not a universal practice.
Key principle: A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Place a firewall between each security zone to enforce traffic filtering.
Why this is correct
Firewalls enforce policies between zones.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✗
Use a single flat network to reduce complexity.
Why it's wrong here
Flat networks lack segmentation.
- ✓
Implement VLANs to logically separate traffic within a switch.
Why this is correct
VLANs provide logical segmentation.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✗
Disable logging on inter-zone firewalls to improve performance.
Why it's wrong here
Logging is crucial for security monitoring.
- ✗
Place all servers in the same broadcast domain for easier management.
Why it's wrong here
This increases attack surface.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: an active trunk can still block the VLAN you need
A trunk being up does not prove every VLAN is crossing it. Check allowed VLAN lists, native VLAN mismatch, VLAN existence and access-port assignment.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
VLAN questions usually combine access-port and trunking clues. The key is to identify whether the issue is local to one switchport, caused by the trunk, or caused by the VLAN not existing where it needs to exist.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- Trunk ports carry multiple VLANs between switches.
- Allowed VLAN lists decide which VLANs can cross a trunk.
- Native VLAN mismatch can create confusing symptoms.
TExam Day Tips
- Use show vlan brief to verify access VLANs.
- Use show interfaces trunk to verify trunk state and allowed VLANs.
- Do not treat every same-VLAN issue as a routing problem.
Key takeaway
A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related SSCP questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Network and Communications Security — This question tests Network and Communications Security — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Place a firewall between each security zone to enforce traffic filtering. — Placing firewalls between zones and using VLANs for logical separation are key segmentation practices. DMZ is a specific zone, not a universal practice.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related SSCP questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This SSCP 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 SSCP exam.
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